To the editor:

Because of those individuals and organizations that contributed to The 2016 American Legion Boys State, we were able to send 16 boys.

It’s important that the contributors are recognized and thanked for their support and to recognize the Boys who attended.

The schools and boys were: Nansemond River High School (Zachery Whear, Brandon Suter, Jack Chen, Zachary Doleman and Hunter Daughtrey), Kings Fork High School (Angelo Cecchini, Ron Newsome and Bailey Cupp), Lakeland High School (Devon Morris, Kyle Stuart, Garrett Whitley and James Whitley) and Nansemond Suffolk Academy (Jack Burns, Edwards Morgan, Nathan Pharr and Gustav Berner).

Contributing organizations and clubs included: Ruritan Clubs (Chuckatuck, Suffolk, Kings Fork, Magnolia, Holland, Bethlehem and Liberty Springs), veterans’ organizations (Norman R. Matthews American Legion Post 57, Nansemond American Legion Post 88 and Joe Bagley VFW Post 2582) and clubs (The Kiwanis Club of Suffolk, Suffolk Rotary Club and Suffolk Elks Club 685).

The following individuals have been cornerstone contributors: James Oliver, William Blair, Aaron Kitchum, Mike Chism, Marvis Knight and Denis and Cindy Confer.

Again, I want to personally thank all the funders and hope you’ll continue to support and assist sending boys to The 2017 American Legion Boys State.

I am also pleased to announce we are adding Suffolk Christian Academy to the list of schools. I am confident 2017 will be as successful as 2016’s fundraising efforts, sending 15 or more boys.

Those who want to help the 2017 American Legion Boys State effort can contact Denis Confer at 403-4261.

Denis Confer

Suffolk Boys State Chairman