The American Legion has a week-long summertime educational program for incoming high school seniors program called Boys State and Girls State.
Ridgefield’s Post 78 has been sponsoring students for over 20 years and has had six participants get accepted to military academies. This year Tor Petersen and Joseph Isaac represented Ridgefield and Post 78.
American Legion Post 78 Commander George Besse explains, "The program focuses on participation with governmental bodies and officials. It is a hands-on program stressing collaboration with others, relationship building, developing citizenship, leadership and character. This is a great program for junior high school students who may be interested in pursuing a career in public service, the military, politics or any other career field."