Texas Border Business
EDINBURG – Eleven Weslaco High School Juniors, who will participate in the American Legion Boys State and American Legion Auxiliary Bluebonnet Girls State conferences this summer, were honored at Commissioners Court on May 21 for their academic achievement and interest in U.S. government.
Precinct 1 Commissioner David L. Fuentes, who sponsored the resolution, said the experience will serve them throughout their lives.
“Boys State and Girls State is where our best and our brightest get exposed to state and local government,” said Fuentes. “They go through training, do mock sessions, run through an entire state legislative session, run for positions, and go out there and campaign just like we all do.”
The American Legion Boys State was founded 84 years ago and is the most respected and selective educational program of government instruction for U.S. high school students. This year marks the 75th session for the American Legion Auxiliary Bluebonnet Girls State.
Weslaco High School will be represented with five delegates at the Texas Boys State, which will be held June 9-14, at The University of Texas at Austin, and with six delegates at the Texas Bluebonnet Girls State, which will be held June 16-22, at Texas Lutheran College in Seguin. Speaking first-hand as an alumnus of the program, Fuentes advised the students on what to expect.
“What you are really going to learn about is how you will serve your community,” said Fuentes. “Use your knowledge and skills to learn about your community and bring that back and apply it to your surroundings; improving the quality of life.”
Fuentes congratulated Weslaco ISD Superintendent Dr. Priscilla Canales and Weslaco High School Principal Yvett Morales as well as counselors and Junior-class teachers and other State Delegate alumni for their support of the students.
“Thank you so much for taking the time to recognize our students,” said Head Counselor Christina Rodriguez, adding that the students are extremely hard working and talented.
