Andrew Horn

Submitted to Sumner Newscow — Andrew Horn, a Wellington High School senior, recently returned from the American Legion Boys State of Kansas held from June 9-15 on the campus of Kansas State University in Manhattan.

Horn, the son of Rick Horn and Lee Horn, was one of 418 boys who attended the week-long government and leadership program. During the program, Horn was a member of the city of Harris in King County and held the position of city official.

The Boys State program consists of an interactive simulation that teaches high school seniors-to-be the value of democracy and civic duty. Participants form mock governments and campaign for positions at the city, county and state level. After the elections, students find out first hand the difficult decisions made daily by those in government through a series of challenging simulations. 

Throughout the week, the delegates also heard from many influential speakers.

Delegates are sponsored by American Legion Posts from all over Kansas as well as various civic organizations.

All delegates demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities in student government, athletics and other activities and were nominated to attend by school counselors and influential people in their lives.

The Boys State program was founded by the American Legion in 1935 in the state of Illinois to promote and teach the ideals of democracy. In the 78 years since, the program has spread to 49 states.

Famous alumni of the Boys State program include former President Bill Clinton, Vice President Richard Cheney, astronaut Neil Armstrong and professional athlete Michael Jordan. Kansas alumni include: Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt, U.S. Ambassador and former CEO of National Public Radio Delano Lewis and former Kansas Governor John Carlin.

The American Legion is an organization of veterans , who have bravely served our country in times of war. They work to promote and defend the values of democracy and freedom in all facets of American life.