Boys State coming to Trine

Second year for program in Angola

 

May 25, 2010--Trine University will impact the lives of certain, select high school junior boys by offering its second American Legion Hoosier Boys State June 12-19. The 73-year-old non-partisan program moved to Trine last summer after 39 years at Indiana State University.

Taking the theme “A Week to Shape a Lifetime: A Lesson in Citizenship and Patriotism,” the week-long residential learning experience examines the operation of Indiana's democratic form of government, the organization of political parties and the practical application of the knowledge gained from both.

Delegates study how government operates at the city, county, and state level, and learn the duties of the office holders associated with each level. Opportunities to heighten delegate awareness and broaden the skills necessary to function in a democratic society are offered through special schools focused upon law, media and politics, speech, leadership, legislative processes, military service careers, lobbying and law enforcement.

Professionals from many walks of life, including Trine and Purdue professors, representatives from the Indiana State Police, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the Indiana General Assembly and other agencies will present the motivational, entertaining and informative classes.

Indiana government leaders who have been American Legion Hoosier Boys State high school delegates include Gov. Mitch Daniels, former Gov. Frank O'Bannon, Sen. Richard Lugar, former Sen. Birch Bayh and former U.S. Congressmen Phil Sharp and Lee Hamilton.

The program is open to over 600 young men who have just completed their high school junior years or a junior year equivalency test through their secondary home school. Many schools recommend applicants, often students involved in many extra-curricular and athletic activities.

For more information, contact Trine conferences and events coordinator Kristina Johnson at johnson-funkk@trine.edu or 260.665.4131; or Hoosier Boys State Director Steven Bowman at bowmansteve@sbcglobal.net.