The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Jayson Cooley, 17, a senior at Naselle/Grays River High School, was recently selected as one of the 98 high school student representatives to attend The American Legion Boys Nation in 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. Cooley will join students from throughout the U.S. for a week-long program where he’ll be introduced to the structure and function of the federal government. The Legion Boys Nation combines lectures and forums with visitations to federal agencies, institutions, memorials and historical spots in and around Washington, D.C.

On July 20-28, Cooley will join other student representatives at Marymount University, Arlington, Vir., with daily trips to 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.

“The work you all volunteer to do this year and in the future will educate the following generations of citizens as to how their government functions, how to keep them accountable, and how to replace them if they fail the people,” Ryan Spodar, Capt. USAF told American Legion Boys State Representatives.

Cooley, a resident of Naselle, will join federal legislators and representatives of national distinction. Traditionally former U.S. President George W. Bush, has participated 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 of Montana.