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Newspaper
Athens Messenger
Location
Athens, Ohio, United States of America
Date
Jun 16, 1975
Page
7
The opening address by Madaffer congratulates Buckeye native delegates chosen for the 1975 Boys State program. It emphasizes citizenship training, taking on responsibilities, and serving home, school, and community, urging full participation for rewards.
About 50 American Legion commissioners from across Ohio assist Buckeye Boys State. They provide expertise before and during the nine day program, helping craft curriculum and organize activities. Leaders include Robert Madaffer and Merle Brady with roles as president and first vice president respectively.
A compact timetable lists Day No 3 Irvine Convo County Area events with meals assemblies curfews and lights out. Entries include dinner band rehearsal assemble by city county retreat and election results plus various activity blocks from morning through night across multiple locations.
The Buckeye Boys State, sponsored by The American Legion of Ohio, is the nation’s largest such program. Ohio surpassed Illinois eight years ago and remains the leader as enrollments exceed 1,350 with national attendance near 30,000 annually.
The 1975 Buckeye Boys State kicked off with delegates arriving from across Ohio as 1000 visitors gathered at Ohio University Convocation Center. James Wagenseller, National Commander of the American Legion, spoke at the first evening assembly. Many attendees stayed overnight on the OU campus Saturday before leaving Sunday.
William R Welsh serves as youth director for The American Legion of Ohio and has led Buckeye Boys State for thirteen years. He coordinates planning and acts as liaison between the Boys State Commission and the state American Legion in Columbus.
Nine day event features National Legion Commander James Wagenseller Athens Mayor Donald Barrett and Ohio University President Dr Jerry Stellar as keynote speaker Stlar serves as senior organizer Delegates hear orientation from Merle F Brady former state commander and acting Secretary of State The election uses paper ballots and a computerized method in Athens County polls run 545 pm to 2 pm and results posted at 830 pm during evening assembly
State officials in Athens Wednesday will join La Buckeye Boys State for June 18 to meet with boys state counterparts. Cabinet members and assistants will share insight into their elected roles, following last year’s participation by the Adjutant General, Secretary of Agriculture, and Treasurer of Ohio.
Two Buckeye Boys State delegates from 1975 will attend Boys Nation in Washington, DC. The national program selects 100 youths, two from each state, who will campaign for offices and run a mock federal government, then tour the capital. Selection is by the Boys State Board of Trustees from outstanding performers, prioritizing high state officials but considering county commissioners mayors and other leaders.
The 150 piece band directed by W. L. Pete DeWeese is a highlight of Boys State. Members rehearse during meals and after registration before evening assemblies, delivering a remarkable, cohesive performance praised by all.
Busloads of young men arrived at Ohio University in Athens on Saturday and were guided by K. T. Crossen Post 21 members at main street corners. Local Legionnaires assisted with the large registration effort to move the process quickly.
Buckeye Boys State, started in 1936, has awarded certificates to about 36 500 boys statewide. The program emphasizes self reliance and social adaptability and has produced notable alums such as Neil Armstrong and Rex Kern.
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