2021 Dean B Ripka SCHOLARSHIP
The Smith-Pletcher American Legion Post 779 provides a $4,000 scholarship to a deserving PENNS VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL.
SENIORS DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE THAT IS ELIGIBLE?
Starting this year the Post will award a $4,000 scholarship to a Penns Valley High School student to use to further their education. The scholarship is paid in four installments.
PRIORITY NO 1: Recipients must be children of Legionaries of Post 779. Parent name and membership number required for verification.
PRIORITY NO 2: Recipients must be grandchildren of Legionaries of Post 779. Grandparent name and membership number required for verification.
PRIORITY NO 3: In the absence of either of the above, the Smith-Pletcher Post will select a worthy recipient.
To apply submit a well written letter to the Post Commander, explaining your eligibility, your plans for school and why the Post should select you for this scholarship. Write Scholarship on the outside of the envelope and mail to American Legion P.O. Box 429, Centre Hall, PA 16828 This is a change from prior years.
All letters must be received by U.S. Mail at Box 429 and Post Marked by April 10, 2021. Hand Delivered applications will not be accepted.
BOYS STATE SCHOLARSHIP
American Legion Boys State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for high school students. It is a participatory program where each participant becomes a part of the operation of his local, county and state government.
Boys State has been a program of The American Legion since 1935 when it organized to counter the Fascist inspired Young Pioneer Camps. The program was the idea of two Illinois Legionnaires, Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card, who organized the first Boys State at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.
The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors a similar program for young ladies called Girls State. At American Legion Boys State, 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 to the various offices. Activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, chorus and recreational programs.
High school juniors are selected by local American Legion Posts to attend the program. 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.
American Legion Boys State is currently conducted in 49 Departments of The American Legion. Hawaii does not conduct a program. As separate corporations, Boys States vary in content and method of procedure, but each and every Boys State adheres to the basic concept of the program - that of teaching government from the township to the state level.