Kentucky Boys State is among the most respected educational programs of government instruction for high school students, and is considered a highly regarded leadership training program. Each participant becomes a part of the operation of his local, county and state government. Boys State has been a program of The American Legion since 1935, and was established in Kentucky in 1940.
At Kentucky Boys State, participants are exposed to the rights, privileges, duties and responsibilities of a voting citizen. Activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, training in various topics, assemblies, journalism and recreational programs.
Merry and Reed were nominated by Paducah Tilghman. Merry is the son of Robert Merry and the grandson of Jane Merry. Reed is the son of Joni and Stanley Reed.
