Colorado Boys State

              American Legion Colorado Boys State

   *Demonstrate your Leadership* *Share Your Ideas*   *Make Friends For Life*
   *Interact With Boys From Across Colorado*        *Learn From Others*

What an exciting time in my life! Just reading the above quotes on the Colorado Boys State website has gotten my blood pumping and my imagination into high gear! I had never heard of Boys State until it was announced in my high school. As soon as I visited the website, I knew it would be the ultimate experience for me. But you don't know me, so here goes...

- I am an Army Brat. I have lived in ten states before my 12th birthday. I have been exposed to many different people and cultures and have learned things along the way that I would never had been able to otherwise. As a result I have experienced many things that others my age would never think possible. Along the way I have also been a member of the military community which is vastly different from the average town in the average state. A deep sense of patriotism and loyalty to America has been instilled in me from an early age. Standing outside in the playground for the playing of retreat each day, watching military parades and saluting the flag, and going down to the landing zone to watch my dad jump out of airplanes has taught me a profound respect for my country. I also learned when my dad put on his uniform and boots and went to work, that I wouldn't always see him when I got home from school that day, but I also learned that other kids might never see their dads again. That is way of the military.

When I was just twelve and a few days, I moved to Colorado. Since I have been here I have become involved in my community and my school. I am Boy Scout finishing up my Life rank and I am currently the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader of my troop. I will be starting my Eagle project this summer, as soon as I finish this leadership position. Additionally, I was hired to work Camp Alexander (pikes Peak area Boy Scout camp) in Lake George, Colorado, this summer. I am an honor student at Manitou Springs High School (MSHS) and I was just awarded the Colorado School of Mines Medal of Excellence and Scholarship as the junior with the highest potential in Math and Science at MSHS. Moreover, I was selected to represent my school at the annual Colorado State School Board Association convention. In addition to my school activities, I am a member of the Colorado Springs Assets for Youth in the Youth Community Advisory Committee (YCAC). I am currently the only student from MSHS to be selected to be a member ofYCAC which is comprised of students from an high schools in the El Paso County area. We are responsible to identify projects within EI Paso County that would benefit from youth involvement. We contribute constructive solutions and responsible interaction for youth at large in our community. I feel that my activities as outlined above have helped to make me a honest and responsible citizen and will enable me to grown into an intelligent, concerned, conscientious and dependable adult.

In conclusion, I would like to be selected to attend the Colorado Boys State. I feel I will add a vital leadership and stimulating contribution to the program this year.

William Shaffer
Cascade, CO 80809

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