Future Leaders Come to UA Campus to Attend Boys State

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Some 600 rising high school senior boys from across the state will be on The University of Alabama campus June 1-7 to attend the 71st annual American Legion Boys State convention.

Participation in Alabama Boys State is one of the highest honors granted to high school seniors. Students from across the state are chosen based on their demonstration of leadership, hard work, strong morals and motivation in school and community activities.

A program of the American Legion, Boys State 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.

“These are the best and brightest from high schools all over Alabama,” said Dr. Tim Hebson, UA dean of students.

At Boys State, student delegates have the opportunity to 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. Students will also participate in a trip to Montgomery that includes a tour of the Alabama Capitol.

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

Sunday, June 1 – Congressman Artur Davis, 2-2:50 p.m.

Monday, June 2 – Lt. Gov. Jim Folsom, 11-11:45 a.m.

Tuesday, June 3 – Judge Deborah Bell Paseur, 11-11:45 a.m.

Wednesday, June 4 – Secretary of State Beth Chapman, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
UA Coach Nick Saban, 11:30 a.m.-noon

Thursday, June 5 – UA President Robert E. Witt, 7-7:40 p.m.

Friday, June 6 – Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb, 10:30-10:45 a.m.

“Coach Saban is speaking for the first time this year and Dr. Witt is speaking for a second year. The UA theatre department is also overseeing the first Boys State drama to take place this week. Many UA faculty and staff members are involved in this week’s events, making it a truly worthwhile experience for everyone,” Hebson said.

Delegates will have the opportunity to join interest groups that focus on their individual areas of interest such as law school, law enforcement academy, aerospace academy, lobbyists, city government, county government, constitutional convention, engineer/computer academy and the environment.

“In addition, new interest groups in healthcare and business are starting. John Maxwell in the UA Student Heath Center is coordinating the healthcare program and Dave Heggem in the UA College of Business is organizing the business sessions. Also, Karen Boykin from UA is organizing the environmental interest group and Lee Harris with UA police the law enforcement academy,” Hebson added.

For more information about Alabama Boys State, go online to http://www.alboysstate.org.