Seven students from Washington High School have been selected to attend Missouri Boys and Girls State this summer.
Boys and Girls State, will take place at Lindenwood University in St. Charles on June 24-July 1, 2023.
Representing WHS at Boys State will be Caleb Dieckhaus, Will Amlong and Ben Oesterly.
Representing WHS at Girls State will be Jillian Huellinghoff, Maddy Henderson, Ellie Reinken and Emelia Narup.
The American Legion Boys State of Missouri and the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Missouri Girls State is a week-long hands on experience in the operation and fundamentals of government. It draws together the best and brightest high school juniors to help lead them down the path of individual success and leadership.
Since its inception in 1938, The American Legion Boys State of Missouri has provided high school students a practical laboratory in citizenship and leadership training. Missouri Boys State completed its 82nd session in 2022.
ALA Missouri Girls State formed in 1940 as one of the first 11 ALA Girls State programs in the nation. The program has since served Missouri high-school students with a hands-on approach to governmental policy while offering leadership and scholarship opportunities to its participants. ALA Missouri Girls State held its 80th session in 2022.
Both programs operate as non-partisan “learn-by-doing” leadership programs, emphasizing the importance of citizens’ rights and responsibilities and public service in a democratic form of government through real world simulations.
Participants run for political offices; create city, county, and state governments; form businesses; and learn life-changing lessons from an all-volunteer staff of top political, legal, military, education and business leaders from throughout the United States.
WHS Boys State
Pictured are Washington High School students who will participate in Missouri Boys State. From left are Caleb Dieckhaus, Will Amlong and Ben Oesterly.
WHS Girls State
Pictured are Washington High School students who will participate in Missouri Girls State. From left are Jillian Huellinghoff, Emelia Narup, Maddy Henderson and Ellie Reinken.