Youth Attends Boys’ State

Earlier this summer La Cañada High School senior Nicholas Sparks attended the American Legion California Golden Boys’ State in Sacramento. He was selected last May by his teachers to be the only delegate from La Cañada High School. Second and third runners up were Chris Bruegge and Andy McNamara, respectively.

The local American Legion Post 13 sponsored Sparks as he traveled with boys from throughout the state to Sacramento. The weeklong program took place at Sacramento State University and included a visit to the state capitol. American Legion members and former Boys’ State members acted as advisors, adhering to the purpose of letting the boys learn by experience.

The delegates set up a mock two party government at the city, county and state level. They were able to study for and take a bar examination. Each delegate had the opportunity to campaign and run for offices at all levels.

Sparks ran for and was voted to a city councilman position. He said he was honored to have a leading part in his city that was named the “model city” at the culmination of the program.