Post 42 Ocean Springs congratulates high school students

American Legion Post 42 congratulates Vancleave High School students
Merrissa Perry and Josh Martins for their achievements.

Perry of Vancleave won fourth place prize of $200, donated by Post 24 in the Department of Mississippi District 9 competition of the American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program titled "A Constitution Speech Contest," which took place a few months ago in Hattiesburg, Miss.

Ms. Joseph D. Kersh, department oratorical chairman, said of Merrissa "You have truly distinguished yourself by your performance in our contests, and we are extremely proud of you for your success. You can be proud of yourself for participating in the toughest oratorical contest in the
nation."

Martins attended American Legion Boys State this past May. Boys State gives young Mississippians a better understanding of how elections and state government work in their state. They learn by doing in the mythical state of Magnolia. From actually campaigning in a party primary to making sure that they get legislation passed that benefits their city, the young men who participate leave Boys State with a better idea of how democracy works in state and local government. They listen to state leaders like the governor and attorney general, and along the way have the opportunity to win scholarships, compete in sports and display their talents in an annual talent show. Junior high school boys from St. Martin, Ocean Springs and Vancleave High School are eligible.

Several boys from the area attended this year Boys State at Mississippi State in Starkville. Martins of Vancleave High School describes his experience "I wasn't so sure about it the first day, but the rest of the week was fantastic. I've even written a Boys Nation essay to be submitted. I was (elected) a senator and on the newspaper staff. I hope you sponsor more students from Vancleave next year so I can have the opportunity to tell them about Boys State, hopefully more will attend. I sincerely thank you for the opportunity and your time."

Mississippi State University has been selected as the 2013-15 host campus for Mississippi's American Legion Boys State. MSU President Mark E. Keenum, stated, "We see this new partnership with the Boys State program and the American Legion in Mississippi as a tremendous honor for our university." "The young people participating in this program truly represent the best of the best in terms of those who are likely to choose careers in public service or other significant leadership roles."