3 York Students Attend Boys State This Year

ELMHURST, IL – Three York High School students recently attended Boys State, where they learned about government.

At Monday's City Council meeting, Mayor Scott Levin recognized the three incoming York seniors, Joshua Wilson, Billy Kenny and Eddie Ferguson. Boys State is organized by the American Legion.

The three students were brought to the mayor's attention by Ward 7 Alderman Rex Irby. His ward includes Elmhurst American Legion Post 187.

Post 187 sponsored the associated costs of the boys to attend, according to a Legion news release.

The local effort was coordinated by Elmhurst American Legion member Eric Pulia, an Army and Air Force veteran.

"Kids need a positive outlet in today’s world, especially having just lived through the social isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic," Pulia said. "This camp allows the participants to meet other high school juniors from around the state, compete for scholarships, and improve their social skills as they prepare for college."

Boys State, which was held at Eastern Illinois University, includes legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, choruses and recreational programs. The students also completed a mock student government with campus-wide elections for governor.

These programs teach participants to become knowledgeable of the democratic process and how the U.S. form of government works at the state and national levels, according to the news release.

For college applications, graduating Boys State is the equivalent of attaining Eagle Scout status, the Legion said.

The sister program, Girls State, is also held at Eastern Illinois University each year, organized through the American Legion Auxiliary.

Unfortunately, the Elmhurst American Legion Auxiliary was unable to find an interested participant this year, the release said.