Glenville State College has been well represented at the 72nd Annual American Legion Mountaineer Boys State (MBS). Matthew Thompson of Kanawha County, a sophomore at Glenville State College, served on the staff of MBS for the second time June 14-20th at Jackson’s Mill, near Weston, West Virginia. Thompson was a MBS citizen in 2007 and returned as a cottage counselor and assistant Board of Education instructor in 2008. This year, Thompson served as Assistant Education Coordinator, was instructor for the Board of Education and State Superintendent of Schools, helped in MBS Headquarters, and assisted with the MBS Choir.

MBS Administrator Steve Sluss stated, “Putting on a quality program would not be possible without the dedication of staff members like Matthew Thompson. I appreciate him and everyone on staff that donates their time and talents to the American Legion Mountaineer Boys State.”

High school juniors are selected to attend the program by local American Legion Posts and their schools faculty. In most cases, expenses associated with attending this program are paid by a sponsoring American Legion Post, a local business, or another community-based organization. “It is amazing to see the caliber of students our West Virginia schools are producing. It gives me hope in the future of our state and country. I believe Boys State is the best program to promote leadership and patriotism in the youth of America,” Thompson said.

Glenville State College was also represented at the Mountaineer Boys State College and Career Fair held June 19th. GSC Admissions Counselors Melody Bevino and Adrian Duelley spoke to many of the young men about the academic programs and opportunities Glenville State College has to offer. “The facility at Jackson’s Mill was very nice, and the event ran very smoothly. Each student stopped by our table. Helping the boys further their future made the whole trip rewarding. We hope to see some of those faces on GSC’s campus in the fall,” Bevino said.

American Legion Mountaineer Boys State is among the most respected educational programs of government instruction for high school students. Each participant becomes a part of the operation of his local, county, and state government. Participants are exposed to the rights and privileges, the duties and the responsibilities of a franchised citizen. The training is objective and practical with city, county, and state governments operated by the students elected and appointed to the various offices. Activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, assemblies, band, chorus, and recreational programs.

Boys State was founded in 1935 in Illinois to counteract the fascist youth camps being set up by Adolf Hitler. The camp was formed to teach Americanism and democracy through participation. American Legion members from West Virginia were so impressed with the camp that they started Mountaineer Boys State in 1936 at Jackson’s Mill. MBS is the second oldest charter and is the only Boys State held at its original location.