The American Legion California Boys & Girls State Hall of Fame

The American Legion California Boys & Girls State Hall of Fame was established in 2010 under the leadership of Chief Counselor Emeritus Joe Cenoz. The original intent was to recognize Alumni of The American Legion California Boys State Program who went on to The American Legion Boys Nation Program and were then elected Boys Nation President.

In 2012, the eligibility for induction into The American Legion California Boys State Hall of Fame redefined and expanded into three categories:

• Distinguished Alumni: Inductees in this category are eligible if they attended The American Legion California Boys State Program and have gone on to make major contributions to their communities and industries as a result of what they learned during their Boys State experience.
• Staff: Inductees in this category are eligible because of their significant contribution to The American Legion California Boys State Program as a member of the Staff. Factors for consideration include years of service to the Program, contributions to changes and enhancements to the Program and roles in which they have served.
• Posthumous: Inductees in this category are no longer living but were either Distinguished Alumni, Staff or someone who contributed greatly to the Program during their lifetime.

Selection of honorees is done in February of each year by The American Legion California Boys State Hall of Fame Selection Committee and affirmed by the members of the Hall of Fame. A maximum of one inductee in each category is awarded annually. The Distinguished Alumni is inducted at the Opening Program of The American Legion California Boys State Program. Staff and Posthumous inductions are done at the Staff Appreciation Dinner prior to the opening of each year’s Boys State Session.

Commencing with the 2023 Session of American Legion California Boys & Girls State, the Hall of Fame is now the American Legion California Boys & Girls State Hall of Fame.