Freddie Kratz, a junior at New Hampton Prep School in New Hampton, NH, and a resident of Frisco, TX, has been selected to attend two prestigious summer programs in June: Texas Boys State and the West Point Summer Leadership Seminar. Freddie and six other finalists will represent the City of Frisco and the Peter J. Courcy American Legion Post 178 in Frisco and join over 950 delegates from around the state for this week long program at the University of Texas, Austin.
American Legion Boys State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for high school students. It is a participatory program where each student becomes a part of the operation of his local, county, and state government. At American Legion Boys State, participants are exposed to the rights and privileges, the duties and the responsibilities, of a franchised citizen. The training is objective and practical, with city, county, and state governments operated by the students elected to the various offices. The week long course includes running for an elected office, setting political platforms, speeches from dignitaries and state government leaders, a tour of the state capital and conducting runoffs in the election process.
Freddie will then travel to NY and be among 1,000 attendees at West Point’s prestigious Summer Leaders Experience (SLE) in June. More than 5,000 juniors nationwide applied to SLE, which offers outstanding high school juniors the opportunity to experience life at West Point.
SLE attendees live in the cadet barracks (dormitories), eat in the Cadet Mess, and participate in academic, leadership, athletic, and military workshops. The one week seminars are designed to help juniors with their college-selection process, while giving them an idea of the importance of leadership and sound decision-making in their education, careers, and lives, in general. All SLE attendees participate in virtual-reality war simulation, and military and physical fitness training, and, in addition, each student selects three of the 15 offered workshops.
The United States Military Academy at West Point is a four-year, co-educational, federally funded undergraduate college located 50 miles north of New York City. A preeminent leader development institution, West Point was founded in 1802 as America’s first college of engineering. Since then, West Point has grown in size and stature, but remains committed to the task of producing commissioned leaders of character for America’s Army.
UPDATE JULY 10th:
Frisco Student, Freddie Kratz, Heads to American Legion Boys Nation in Washington, D.C.
One of 98 high school student representatives throughout the U.S. chosen to attend The American Legion Boys Nation at Marymount University, Arlington, VA, with daily trips to Washington, D.C.. He is one of two delegates selected from the state-based on leadership skills, academic record and activity at American Legion Boys State. From July 18-25, the week-long program introduces the senators to the structure and function of the federal government while combining lectures and forums with visitations to federal agencies, institutions, memorials and historical spots in and around Washington, D.C.
These young men are the future of politics in the United States. This program is designed to inspire a strong devotion to America while providing a practical view of federal government procedures. Many of the current great leaders of our country are Boys Nation Alumni.
The American Legion Boys Nation program provides a week of government training in Washington, D.C, comprised of lectures and forums with visits to federal agencies, institutions, memorials and historical sites. Valuable experience of the political process is gained through the organization of party conventions, the introduction and debate on bills and resolutions, and the election of an American Legion Boys Nation President and Vice President.
Each American Legion Boys Nation delegate represents his home state as a “Senator.” The “Senators” caucus at the beginning of the session and organize into committees and conduct hearings on bills, allowing delegates to learn the proper methods and regulations followed by the U.S. Senate. In addition, federal legislators, representatives of national distinction, traditionally including the President of the United States, participate in the activities at The American Legion Boys Nation Program. Former graduates of the program include former U.S. President Bill Clinton and U.S. Senator Max Baucus, MT.