Freeland American Legion honors MMI senior for attending PA American Legion’s Keystone Boys’ State program

The Freeland American Legion honored MMI Preparatory School senior Garrett Kost following his attendance at the Pennsylvania American Legion’s Keystone Boys State program this past summer. Garrett Kost is the son of Joseph and Natalie Kost of Freeland.

Keystone Boys’ State is a week-long program held at Shippensburg University where rising high school senior boys from across the state gather to learn about Pennsylvania’s system of government. The 250 participants were divided into eight simulated cities, two simulated counties, and one simulated state. The students learned how to draft city laws and ordinances as well as the process of attempting to pass bills in counties and the state House of Representatives and Senate.

Sample ordinances included a way to revitalize the simulated town’s small business sector, balancing the amount of traffic in the city, and reducing the crime rate. Garrett Kost served as a police officer and sheriff in his simulated town and county and had the opportunity to take a sub-course on criminal law and criminal psychology.

“The overall atmosphere at Keystone Boys’ State was great, with young and future leaders not only collaborating but also taking charge of discussions and responsibility,” Kost said. “A leadership ability was brought out in all of us and we left the program with a sense of pride not only in our country but also our state.”

Additionally, the students learned about their individual rights as citizens and special presentations were made during the program discussing the military backgrounds of the legionnaires who were counselors and mentors to the students throughout the week.

Kost said having the opportunity to attend the Keystone Boys’ State program further helped him decide on entering the military and pursuing a career as a civil servant either through the police force or through holding a political office.

“The experiences I’ve gained over the summer are vital not only for those in my future educational position but for any incoming seniors who wish to become better citizens. Throughout my potential careers in the military, police, or politics, I know that the time I spent at Keystone Boys’ State this summer helped me achieve it.”