Youth Programs/Awards
Parsippanong Post 249 is a strong supporter of The American Legion’s citizenship, scholarship and sports programs.
Post 249 sponsors two young men each year, one from each of Parsippany’s two high schools, who are selected to attend the prestigious American Legion New Jersey Boys State program held at Rider University each June. Details of this program are available at American Legion Jersey Boys State or from the high school guidance department.
We also sponsor the Parsippany Tomahawks American Legion baseball team. The Tomahawks play in the Senior League, which is comprised of players, ages 15 – 19 from Parsippany, Parsippany Hills and Hanover Park High Schools. The season runs from May through July with tournament play continuing through August. The team is coached by Jim Hallik. Player tryouts are scheduled for May of each year. More details of this program are available at American Legion Baseball. The Tomahawks schedule and statistics are also available at Tomahawks Baseball or at American Legion Tomahawks Baseball.
Each year Post 249 also sponsors two scholarships to local high school seniors. The Sam Kaplan Americanism Award is given to a single Parsippany High School senior planning on attending college in the Fall, while the Aaron Leif Scholarship Award is given to Parsippany Hills High School senior who is planning on attending college in the Fall. Seniors wishing to apply for either of these awards should contact their guidance counselor by early April of their senior year. The guidance departments will then coordinate scholarship interviews with the Post.
In addition to these two scholarships, Post 249 sponsors the George Bohr Awards, which are given to two students from Parsippany High School who are neurologically impaired. The guidance department will select the two students.
Post 249 also supports the American Legion High School Oratorical Contest in Parsippany’s two high schools. The purpose of the Oratorical Contest, sponsored by The American Legion as a National Americanism Activity, is to develop a deeper knowledge and understanding of the Constitution of the United States. Other objectives to be gained are those of leadership, the ability to think and speak clearly and intelligently, and preparation for the acceptance of the duties and responsibilities, the rights and privileges, of American citizenship. Scholarships are presented to contest winners at the state and national levels.
The American Legion also provides substantial scholarship assistance to students at both the Department and National level, as well. Rules and Application forms for these scholarships can be downloaded from these sites in PDF format.
As part of Post 249's participation in The American Legion's Americanism Programs, our post is also involved at the elementary and junior high school levels. At the elementary school level we sponsor a coloring contest for 4th and 5th graders. The local winner’s painting will then go into the county competition with that winner going onto the state competition. Winners at the county and state levels will receive savings bonds while Post 249 will present our local winner with an award certificate. Details on this contest are available through the school Principal’s offices. At Central Junior High School, the post presents a Good Citizenship Award to a graduating 8th grader who has shown outstanding academic, leadership, attendance and citizenship abilities as selected by the guidance department and Principal’s office.
American Legion Jersey Boys State
Jersey Boys State / Post 249
The Jersey Boys State is held annually in June at Rider University in Lawrenceville. Young men in their junior year of high school from Parsippany and Parsippany Hills High Schools are recommended by the guidance office at their school, and are interviewed by a committee of Post 249 members. Two young men, one from each of the two high schools, will then be selected to attend Jersey Boys State with Post 249 sponsoring them. Alternates will also be selected should the first selected not be able to attend. Selection criteria are based on outstanding qualifications of personal character and leadership, and on a desire to participate fully in The American Legion Boys State program. Sponsorship includes all fees and program expenses, including food, housing and text materials.
The Jersey Boys State Program
American Legion Jersey Boys State is a highly respected program in citizenship administered by The American Legion, Department of New Jersey. For one week each summer, participants become citizens of a mythical 51st state, learning about the operation of government at the city, county, and state levels.
During the week, participants learn about and explore all facets of the democratic process of representative government. Court administration, legislative assembly, law enforcement and the political process are among the areas of involvement. In addition, a newspaper is published, a band organized and athletic activities are included. Throughout the week local, state and New Jersey’s national leaders attend and meet with the young men to discuss their roles in the political process.
At the conclusion of the American Legion Jersey Boys State program, a governor is elected and appoints his cabinet. Two senators are elected and go on to attend a week at the American Legion Boys' Nation, held annually in Washington, D.C.
For additional information, please visit the American Legion Jersey Boys State site.
