Edward Gonet IV, a rising senior at Old Rochester Regional High School, was elected President Pro Tempore of American Legion Boys Nation on Saturday, July 24.

Gonet emerged victorious from a field of 11 candidates for the position of President Pro Tempore, which presides over the Boys Nation Senate in the Vice President's absence.

Gonet previously served as Governor of Massachusetts Boys State. He is representing Illinois at Boys Nation, one of 30 senators randomly selected to fill the 100-delegate field after some Boys State programs were unable to meet this summer due to pandemic restrictions.

The Boys Nation senators caucus at the beginning of the session, organize into committees and conduct hearings on bills, allowing delegates to learn the proper legislative procedures according to the U.S. Senate.

American Legion Boys Nation provides aspiring young men with the opportunity to learn about the federal government while participating in a hands-on experience with the electoral process.

This year's session of American Legion Boys Nation is the program's 75th.