MANHATTAN, Kan. — Approximately 405 young men from across the state of Kansas, all of whom will enter their senior year of high school this fall, participated in the 2019 session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas Leadership Academy. The event, which concluded its 82nd year, was held last week at Kansas State University in Manhattan for the 28th consecutive year.

This event provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility.

Dustin Curiel of Hutchinson served as the head media counselor this year, was named Counselor of the Year. He was a 2014 KBS delegate from Hutchinson High School.

Also, Zachary Wash of McPherson, a senior-to-be at McPherson High School, was elected by his peers to represent Boys State of Kansas at Boys Nation this summer from July 19 to 27 at Marymount University in Arlington, Va.

The 2020 American Legion Boys State of Kansas Leadership Academy is scheduled to be held the week beginning May 31, again at Kansas State University. For information on becoming a delegate, visit https://kansasboysstate.com/ or https://ksbstate.org/.