Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri, hosted the 86th Missouri Boys State (MBS) and the 84th Missouri Girls State (MGS) this past week, with Thursday designated as "Legion Day."
Members from American Legion posts across Missouri, including Stockton's Post 230, were invited to view the events and activities taking place at the university and engage with both the staff and students.
Each year, nearly 2,000 students from 97% of Missouri's high schools participate in this American Legion-sponsored summer event, which has been held annually since 1938. This year, American Legion Post 230 of Stockton sponsored six students from Cedar County high schools.
Designed to give the nation's youth a better understanding of how the governmental system and democracy work, the program provides a hands-on practical laboratory in citizenship and leadership training.
The Missouri program is ranked among the highest in the nation for participation and execution, and other states and staff "work with Missouri to improve their programs and partnerships," Missouri Girls State Director McCae Mickens said.
Mickens attended Girls State in 2008 after being sponsored by Warrensburg American Legion Post 131.
The curriculum facilitates the "concept of civic engagement, which can apply to any path in life and is not limited to politics," 2001 Boys State attendee Jack Laskowitz said.
Laskowitz works for a software company and volunteers as director of Boys State. Most Missouri Boys State and Missouri Girls State staff members are former "citizens" who now volunteer their time to prepare for and conduct each annual session.
Schools of instruction are taught by professionals in the subjects of law, commerce, media, journalism, local government, international affairs, law enforcement and public safety.
Laskowitz said, "To see these students work together, the energy, magic, and friendships they form" makes it all worthwhile.
The program's motto throughout the course of instruction is, "If it is to be, it's up to me."
Throughout the week, participants engage in civic responsibilities by campaigning, voting, conducting media interviews, participating in courts and learning about law. Activities run from 7:30 a.m. until 10:30 p.m., leaving no time wasted and making for a summer week of opportunity well spent for everyone.
