Hillsdale College Hosts American Legion Michigan Boys State
Rising high school seniors learned about state and local government and then formed and participated in a mock government of their own.
HILLSDALE, Mich. — Hillsdale College hosted the American Legion Michigan Boys State June 21-27. Young men going into their senior year of high school came together on Hillsdale’s campus to learn about state and local government and then form and participate in a mock government of their own.
“The American Legion shares our mission to form young citizens for the serious work of self-government,” said Tim Wells, associate vice president for administrative affairs at Hillsdale College. “We were excited to bring veterans and students together to teach young Michiganders the duties of citizenship.”
“We were excited to bring veterans and students together to teach young Michiganders the duties of citizenship.”
In its 90th year, Boys State brought together 150 delegates from across the state of Michigan. They learned about the structure and processes of local and state government and participated in mock elections, legislation, law enforcement, and court proceedings, as well as recreational activities.
Michigan Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein and Medal of Honor Recipient Jim McCloughan spoke to the students, and the Daughters of the American Revolution guided them in a project to clean the headstones of Civil War veterans at the local cemetery. Other activities included campus tours, dinner at the local American Legion post, a quiz bowl, and Boys State Olympics.
“Our week at Hillsdale College and the interaction with many campus staff members exceeded all of our expectations for hospitality and service,” said Mark Brejcha, director of the Michigan Boys State. “There are lots of moving parts to this dynamic program, and challenges find us throughout each day that require action and communication. Hillsdale met every challenge. One word comes to mind from my experience at Hillsdale College this week — excellence. My staff and I can’t wait for next year.”
“One word comes to mind from my experience at Hillsdale College this week — excellence.”
Two delegates from each Boys State program are selected to participate in Boys Nation in Washington, D.C. At Boys Nation, they learn about the structure and function of the federal government, visit federal agencies and important sites in the capital, meet with elected officials from their home states, and take on the role of senators in mock sessions and conventions.
Joe Emerson of Grand Rapids and Adam Saad of Troy were selected as Michigan’s senators for Boys Nation, which is taking place July 17-25.
Besides hosting Boys State on campus, Hillsdale is offering a $20,000 scholarship to Michigan Boys State graduates who go on to attend Hillsdale. Beginning for students applying for the fall 2027 semester, any Michigan Boys State graduate who is admitted to and enrolls as an undergraduate at Hillsdale will be eligible for a $5,000 annual scholarship renewable for four years.
Hillsdale also hosts the American Legion’s National Oratorical Contest and Junior 3-Position Air Rifle National Championships.
- Photos from the Boys State graduation ceremony
- More photos from Boys State
- More information about Boys State and Boys Nation
- More information about Michigan Boys State
- Photos of Hillsdale College
- High-resolution copy of the Hillsdale College clocktower logo
About The American Legion
The American Legion is the largest wartime veterans service organization with nearly two million members in 12,875 posts in communities across America. Chartered by Congress in 1919, The American Legion is committed to mentoring youth and sponsoring wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting a strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow servicemembers and veterans.