Friday, September 21, 2012

'Boys State' Reps Meet Pres. Obama; Nick Kelly of Patrick Henry and Giovanni Moujaes of La Jolla High represent California at event.


 President Obama meets Nick Kelly of Patrick Henry High.


     Nick Kelly, left, of Patrick Henry, and Giovanni Moujaes of La Jolla High at Boys Nation.     

Nick Kelly of Patrick Henry and Giovanni Moujaes of La Jolla High represented California at Boys Nation Day at the White House this summer.

The pair met Pres. Obama as part of the program, which is sponsored by American Legion chapters around the nation.

"Being able to speak to Pres. Obama was the highlight of the program," said Kelly, a Patrick Henry senior.

It’s a tradition for the 98 senators involved in The American Legion Boys Nation program to visit the White House and meet the standing president. And during the 66th session of Boys Nation, the senators walked away from the White House on July 27 with a memory that will last a lifetime — they shook hands with, talked to and hugged President Obama. They too stood on the front lawn and waved to Obama as he boarded the Marine One helicopter.

At Boys Nation, participants learn the rights, privileges and responsibilities of franchised citizens. The training is objective and centers on the structure of city, county and state governments.

The July event was attended by boys throughout the nation. They debated and passed bills, as they would if they were in a state legislature or the Congress. Read more on the conference»