Powering Boys’, Girls’ state

Legion Post 162, Hillsdale PBA Local 207 team up

American Legion Post 162 of Hillsdale, Woodcliff Lake, and Old Tappan thanks Hillsdale Police Benevolent Association Local 207 for a generous donation to cover tuition for two students at New Jersey Boys’ State and New Jersey Girls’ State for 2023. Left to right: Hillsdale police officer Jordan Bruce, American Legion Post 162 Commander Doug Frank, and Hillsdale police officer Matthew Soltes. Courtesy photo

PASCACK VALLEY—American Legion Post 162 of Hillsdale, Woodcliff Lake and Old Tappan received a generous donation from the Hillsdale Police Benevolent Association (PBA) Local 207 to cover the tuition for  two students at New Jersey Boys’ State and New Jersey Girls’ State for 2023. 

At Post 162’s May 6  meeting, members presented the PBA with a certificate of appreciation and thanked them for their generous support.

General Leonard E. Wood Post 162, at 98 Legion Place in Hillsdale, is the home post for residents of Hillsdale, Woodcliff Lake and Old Tappan but its active membership includes veterans from the greater Pascack Valley, Northern New Jersey, and out of state.

Its primary mission is to support and advocate for veterans, active military, and their families, and to foster patriotism and responsible citizenship to all.

The programs of the New Jersey American Legion (boys) and Legion Auxiliary (girls), are run separately at two New Jersey colleges, where attendees get valuable lessons in civics. 

Participants create political parties, run elections, appoint officials, and pass laws. The competitive programs are viewed as valuable resume items for college admissions.  

In 2023, due in part to the donation from PBA Local 207 — led this year by P.O. Joseph Messner — the post was able to sponsor four young ladies for Girls’ State and three young men for Boys’ State. The programs will run in June. They are open to students finishing their junior year in high school. 

For more information on the programs visit americanlegionpost162.org.