El Monte Union honored its 2025 Boys & Girls American Legion State Delegates during the Oct. 15 Board of Trustees meeting, celebrating students from five district high schools for their leadership and civic involvement. The recognition highlighted a longstanding program that introduces rising seniors to public service through a weeklong summer experience focused on state and local government.
Boys Girls State Delegates Program Overview
The American Legion California Boys and Girls State program teaches high school students how government functions. It began as a national youth leadership effort designed to promote civic knowledge and public engagement. Delegates live on a university campus for one week while participating in a simulated state government that mirrors real public institutions. The California session is held at California State University, Sacramento. Details appear at https://californiaboysandgirlsstate.org.
The mission of the program is to help students understand citizenship through direct participation. Organizers work to build character, strengthen leadership skills and promote interest in public affairs. Students learn how policies form, how officials run campaigns and how branches of government work together.
District Students Selected as Delegates
This year’s Boys Girls State Delegates from El Monte Union include Arroyo High School’s Richard Cobian, Giselle Trujillo and Alexander Valenzuela. El Monte High School delegates are Tony Nguyen, Eilyn Mejia, Jia Qi He, Jorge Maldonado and Asami Dao. Mountain View High School is represented by Joaquin Palma Saracho. Rosemead High School’s delegates are Alvin Lam, Chitoan Doan and Sophia Arias. South El Monte High School delegates are Ashley Yu, Andrea Trejo, Dayanira Arellano and Jayden Lu.
Students become delegates through a school nomination process supported by local American Legion Posts. Staff members look for strong academics, school involvement and leadership potential. Applicants often complete interviews or submit statements that describe their interest in civic learning.
Skills and Benefits for Students
Delegates spend the week forming parties, drafting bills and managing campaigns. They gain public speaking practice, decision making skill and teamwork experience. The program helps students understand community needs by placing them in leadership roles that require collaboration. Many describe the week as a turning point that builds confidence and opens interest in public service careers.
Community Impact
El Monte Union leaders say the Boys Girls State Delegates program strengthens civic participation. Students return with a deeper understanding of government and with skills that support school leadership and community involvement. Families and staff members value the district’s continued partnership with American Legion Posts that sponsor delegates. By supporting this program, the district helps develop future leaders who contribute to their schools and neighborhoods.
