SJA Boys State Representatives Elected to Boys Nation
Two St. Johnsbury Academy seniors, Joe Brody and Jack Fannon, traveled to Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia, to represent Vermont as delegates to the 2018 American Legion’s Boys Nation. This was the first time St. Johnsbury Academy has sent two delegates to Boys Nation; two students being elected from one school is a rarity.
According to the American Legion website, “Two representatives from each of the 49 Boys States represent their state at Boys Nation in Washington, where the young leaders receive an education on the structure and function of federal government. The first Boys Nation – then called Boys Forum of National Government – convened at American University in Washington in August 1946. The 1946 American Legion National Convention adopted the event as an official youth activity. Three years later, it became American Legion Boys Nation. At the event, each delegate acts as a senator from his Boys State. The young lawmakers caucus at the beginning of the session, then organize into committees and conduct hearings on bills submitted by program delegates.”
Delegate Joe Brody, said, “Jack and I both ran for state positions. Jack won his race for attorney general and I won lieutenant governor. They then announced the candidates for Boys Nation and I won the first nomination and Jack got the second.”
The second delegate, Jack Fannon, said, “I am truly honored to go to Boys Nation in a few weeks as a delegate from Vermont and St. Johnsbury Academy. I know that this opportunity is a testament to the quality of education we receive at St. Johnsbury Academy.”
Academy Headmaster Tom Lovett said, “We are very proud of these young men. In a time when young people are not typically getting involved in government, politics, or running for public office, these students have actively sought opportunities to grow as leaders. I am very thankful that the organizers of Boys State still provide these opportunities, and I am sure that our representatives will be excellent ambassadors for our school in Washington, D.C.”