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June 25, 2008
SALISBURY, N.C. – Dillon Dunford of Cullowhee was elected as Governor of the American Legion Tar Heel Boys’ State Wednesday, June 25 during the week-long event held at Catawba College. Dillon is a rising senior at Smoky Mountain High School in Sylva, N.C. He is the son of Ollin and Jane Dunford of Cullowhee, N.C. Dillon Dunford credits his success over the week to God and an undying drive to learn the political process at every level. While first being elected Chief of Police of his Boys’ State city, Dunford decided to move further along the political process and received the support of his peers. The American Legion sponsors a week-long program which mimics the realities of National, State, and local government. Delegates, known as citizens, run for offices across a statewide slate of candidates. This is the sixth consecutive year that the event has been held on Catawba’s campus and approximately 250 participants, all rising high school seniors from North Carolina, are involved. For more information about Tar Heel Boys’ State, visit their website at www.ncboysstate.org. |
The American Legion believes there is no better way to ensure the survival of our republic than to train our young people in the ideals and objectives of American government. By teaching youth to understand and appreciate the basic principles involved in the successful management of a democratic society, we can keep America strong and ensure freedom for future generations. These are the distinguished and long-standing objectives of American Legion Boys’ State. They are accomplished through a unique summertime program, one that emphasizes not classroom lectures or textbook learning, but participation and personal experience in a model state, complete with its governing bodies and elected public officials. Boys’ State was founded, and its courses of instruction designed, to supplement the information taught in high school civics classes. Boys’ State teaches that our form of government is good, but that its preservation depends on intelligent, informed, and loyal citizens in combination with an honest and impartial administration of government activities. Young men chosen to be Boys’ State citizens can look forward to a challenging experience, acquiring a better understanding and deeper regard for our nation’s legacy of freedom and democracy. The 2008 Tar Heel Boys State Program will take place from June 22-28 at Catawba College in Salisbury, NC. If you have any questions please contact the Program Coordinator, Chris Byrd at Tarheelboysstate@yahoo.com
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