State’s Future Leaders on UA Campus for 70th Annual American Legion Boys State

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Some 600 rising high school senior boys will be on The University of Alabama campus June 10-16 to attend the 70th annual American Legion Boys State convention.

Alabama Boys State is one of the highest honors granted to Alabama students. Students from across the state are chosen based on their demonstration of leadership, hard work, strong morals and motivation in school and community activities. Boys State is a full and active week, held for the first time on the UA campus this year.

“Boys State is a very special week at The University of Alabama. As delegates participate in meaningful dialogue about significant issues that affect our community, they experience first-hand the challenges and opportunities inherent in a democratic society. As Alabama’s flagship university, we are pleased to host this outstanding group of young men on our campus and to recognize their leadership, character and dedication to sustaining strong communities,” said UA Provost Judy Bonner.

Boys State, a program of the American Legion, emphasizes practical participation in a model state, complete with the governing officials, as a way to educate young people in the ideals and objectives of American government.

“The American Legion Department of Alabama has been sponsoring Alabama Boys State for the past 70 years. Boys State provides a forum for the top rising high school seniors of Alabama to hone their skills of citizenship, leadership and public service. Boys State continues to make ours a better state by providing training and inspiration to our students to serve their state and nation in a positive and productive way. The American Legion is proud of the record established by Alabama Boys Staters in all walks of life,” said Judge Pete Johnson, director of Alabama Boys State.

At Boys State, student delegates will find the opportunity to build new friendships, participate in a mock government, and hear from and meet a diverse array of Alabama leaders such as congressmen, state elected officials, business and civic leaders.

Among the Alabama Boys State guest speakers, all to present on the UA campus in Morgan Auditorium, are:

-Congressman Artur Davis, Sunday, June 10, 3-3:45 p.m.

-Lt. Gov. Jim Folsom, Monday, June 11, 11-11:45 a.m.

-State Treasurer Kay Ivey, Wednesday, June 13, 10-10:45 a.m.

-Kimble Forrester of Alabama Arise, Wednesday, June 13, 11-11:40 a.m.

-Jefferson County Commissioner Larry Langford, Wednesday, June 13, 1:30-2:15 p.m.

-Don James, CEO Vulcan Materials, Thursday, June 14, 1:30-2 p.m.

-UA President Dr. Robert E. Witt, graduation speaker, Saturday, June 16, 8:45-9:45 a.m.

Delegates will have the opportunity to join interest groups that focus on their individual areas of interest such as law school, fire college, law enforcement academy, aerospace academy, lobbyists, city government, county government, constitutional convention, engineer/computer academy and environmental interest group. The long-standing objectives of American Legion Boys State are to teach youth to understand and appreciate the basic principles involved in the successful management of a democratic society.

Many UA employees and alumni are involved in this year’s program. Tim Hebson, UA executive director of student development, is coordinating the logistics for this program. Hebson is also a former Boys State attendee and has worked with Boys State since 1987.

For more information about Alabama Boys State, contact John Lovett in the UA Boys State Office at 205/348-0207, 175-C Martha Parham Hall; online go to http://alboysstate.org/.