FARMINGTON — Roderick-Crosby American Legion Post 28 is hosting a barbeque chicken fundraiser on Saturday, May 20 to help send a Mt Blue High School junior to The American Legion Department of Maine DIRIGO State program at Colby College in mid-June. The fundraiser will be held at the Wiles monument garage on 140 Farmington Falls Road beginning at 11:30 until sold out. The cost is $12 for a barbecued half chicken, cornbread, chips, brownie, and bottled water. Rain date is May 21.
DIRIGO State, the first of its kind, is a comprehensive, experiential learning, youth leadership program. A blending of Boys and Girls State programs, the curriculum is designed after the Maine State government, where all students come together to create their own town, county, and state governing bodies.
The Maine American Legion was the first in the nation to offer a blended Boys and Girls State program. The intent was to unveil the merged program in 2021 but the Covid-19 pandemic forced a delay of the historical merger. Last year was the official first year of DIRIGO State with 150 high school juniors across Maine participating.
Roderick-Crosby Post 28 collaborating with American Legion Auxiliary Unit 28 have continually sponsored students to attend the former Boys and Girls State annual programs and DIRIGO State attendance is no exception this year. Proceeds from the barbecue chicken fundraiser ensure students can attend.
Students attending DIRIGO State experience many facets of politics from campaigning in mock elections, learning and effecting mock legislative processes, visits by local Maine politicians and guest speakers in addition to other activities to round out their week. A formal graduation concludes the program. The DIRIGO State program week is staffed by volunteers from local American Legion Posts and Auxiliary Units.
For more information about DIRIGO State and the Post 28 chicken barbecue fundraiser contact Post 28 Adjutant Drew Goodridge at post28farmingtonmaine@gmail.com or 207-200-8756.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
