The Westminster American Legion Post No. 266 sponsored five young men — all students at Pacifica High School in Garden Grove — to attend the annual "Boys State" program and honored them during the Post's Saturday meeting.
The Westminster American Legion Post No. 266 sponsored five young men — all students at Pacifica High School in Garden Grove — to attend the annual "Boys State" program and honored them during the Post's Saturday meeting.
"The Boys State program is an extremely unique opportunity that Post No. 266 provides to the bright minds of our future," said 3rd Vice Commander Robin Hoyle. "All delegates we sent to the Boys State program in 2013 were accepted into the UC school system, which included UC Davis, UCLA, UC Berkeley, and UC Santa Barbara and the Boys State program is a great addition for them to place on their resume for college, as it provides them with memories and friends that will last a lifetime."
Those being recognized were Steven Pomeroy, who has been in ASB for two years and is an Explorer with the Seal Beach Police Department and a Referee for the American Youth Soccer Organization.
Kevin Tolby participates with Garden Grove Pacifica High School's Cross Country team, is a member of the National Honor Society, a track and field team member and a member of the Philosophy Club.
Thinh Le is a member of Boy Scouts of America Troop No. 167, based in Garden Grove. Led by Scoutmaster Terry Morris, the Scout troop works closely with the American Legion Post.
"Post No. 266 has sponsored several of our boys from Troop No. 167 to enjoy the benefits of the Boys State program," said Morris. "The troop has made an extreme impact on Post 266. offering help whenever needed. The Scouts have served holiday dinners to the Post along with helping and participating in the Memorial Day Wreath laying Ceremony at Westminster Memorial Cemetery each year."
Le completed his Eagle Scout service project at Atlantis Park, by Bolsa Grande High School, where he completely re-did a children's playground.
"Troop No. 167 is a high-adventure troop that goes on amazing hikes from the Grand Canyon to Yosemite National Park," Hoyle said. "Our Scoutmaster teaches these young men some amazing survival and life skills."
Bruno Villegas is a drum major and plays in the jazz and concert bands, and is part of the National Honor Society. He's a school district representative for the Latino Unidos and an AVID tutor and Community Outreach Team secretary.
Edmundo Martinez volunteers at a public library and is the school district's representative for the Latino Unidos Club. He's a member of the Pacifica High School Brass Quartet and is in the District Honor Band.
"A young man who deserves to be mentioned is Robert Leseth who is also an Eagle Scout and just graduated from basic training for the Army. He is currently serving at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and starts his training to become a military policeman this week," said Hoyle. "Robert did his Eagle project this past spring which consisted of building a barbecue area for the troop's charter: Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Garden Grove."
