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From the Chair

Florida American Legion Boys State | 2026–2027

Building Tomorrow’s Leaders, One Delegate at a Time!

First and foremost, I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Department Commander Bob Matheson for the opportunity to serve as the Department of Florida Boys State Chair for the 2026–2027 year. I am honored to continue serving a program that holds such tremendous potential to shape young lives, strengthen communities, and develop the leaders of tomorrow. I do not take this responsibility lightly, because Florida American Legion Boys State is so much more than a week in Tallahassee—it is the Premier leadership program that provides countless opportunities to challenge, inspire, encourage, and empower young men to discover what they are truly capable of accomplishing.

As we look ahead to our 83rd session, scheduled for June 20–26, 2027, it is time to roll up our sleeves, strengthen our partnerships, and get to work! Our success begins right in our own communities, with our American Legion posts taking an active role in connecting with local schools, distributing applications, conducting interviews, and thoughtfully selecting delegates. This is not simply about sending a young man to Boys State; it is about identifying potential, opening doors, and giving the next generation an opportunity to rise to the challenge. The right delegate may not always be the young man with the highest GPA or the longest list of accomplishments. Sometimes, it is the young man who is ready to step outside his comfort zone, embrace new challenges, learn from others, and discover a leader within himself that he never knew existed.

If you have questions about Florida American Legion Boys State, need assistance connecting with your local post, or are a parent seeking information for your son, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. I welcome the opportunity to help, encourage, and work alongside you. Together, through communication, commitment, and a little Legion Family teamwork, we can ensure that the next session is another outstanding chapter in this incredible program.

I look forward to working with each of you as we prepare for Tallahassee. Let’s get those applications moving, those conversations started, and those future leaders ready to discover what they can accomplish!

Because the future doesn’t build itself—we build it by investing in the young men who will lead it.

Darcy Sisson
Boys State Chair
boysstate@legionmail.org

Are you an alumni of the Florida Boys State Program? If so, please join our group on LinkedIn.