The Commander's Award is a $1000 college scholarship funded by the American Legion, Department of Illinois, in honor of its commander.  The award winner is selected by a committee of Illinois Boys State Staff Counselors from among the following:

• Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
• President of the Senate
• Speaker of the House of Representatives
• National Party State Chairman
• Federalist Party State Chairman

2005 Winner - Randell Miller - Des Plaines

2004 Winner - Curtis Holtman - Peoria

2003 Winner - Jacob Val - Pontiac

2002 Winner - Adrian Baker - Danville

2001 Winner - Vasili Karas - Dundee

2000 Winner - Sean Purdy - Mattoon

1999 Winner - William Heerman - Park Ridge

1998 Winner - Brian Shippert - Dixon

1997 Winner - Ankit Mahadevia - Naperville

1996 Winner - David Schild - Naperville