L. Turner attends Boys State

Lucas Turner

Lucas Turner of Rusk spoke to the American Legion Post 293 recently. Mr. Turner, a Rusk High senior, told about his June trip to Boys State Campground in Austin.

The camp was held using some dorms and facilities at the University of Texas in Austin.

He was one of approximately 900 boys from Texas who were sent there by their local American Legion Posts. The boys learned good citizenship, government, election process, how the Constitution works and things that help make the United States a republic. Boys State was formed in 1935 by the American Legion nationwide to counter the threat of the Nazi Youth Movement in this country. It is an annual event in all 50 States.

The American Legion has sponsored a Rusk High School student for the past three years. The other two boys sponsored were Ben Thompson in 2006 and Jason Turney in 2005. The local Post currently sponsors one boy a year but anyone who is qualified may attend. Young men, who are interested in applying, may call Kenneth White, Legion Post 293 Commandant, and ask for the needed application and brochure about the camp. The initial cost for registration is $275 plus personal expenses. Room and board are included in this fee. Mr. White may be reached at (903)795-3574.