Boys State Students at UA Take Part in Storm Relief Efforts

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama and the West Alabama community are welcoming more than 500 high school seniors to campus May 29-June 4 for the 74th annual American Legion Boys State convention that will include a community service component to help Tuscaloosa tornado survivors.

Alabama Boys State, a leadership and government training program, is one of the highest honors granted to high school senior boys. Students from around the state are chosen based on their demonstration of leadership, hard work, strong morals and motivation in school and community activities.

In a partnership with the City of Tuscaloosa and the Parks and Recreation Authority, Boys State students will work in area parks to upgrade the facilities as an effort to provide the community – and especially storm victims — improved outdoor recreation.

On Tuesday, May 31-Friday, June 3, from 2:45-5 p.m. the students will provide community service by working at McKinney and Snow Hinton Parks, and also by volunteering at Temporary Emergency Services to help sort donations at warehouses. On Friday, from 3-4:45 p.m. they will host a “fun” event at Snow Hinton Park for children from the storm-affected areas with NBA star Dwight Howard as special guest.

“The work of the Boys State students will benefit everyone in the city,” says Dr. Wahnee Sherman, director of the UA Community Service Center. “Having upgraded playgrounds and parks will be helpful to children and others this summer as the community heals from the storms.”

A program of the American Legion, Boys State emphasis 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.

“In the past few weeks, we have seen the generosity of the people of Alabama as we rebuild our city.  Boys State will continue this spirit and tradition of making a difference for Tuscaloosa during this most critical hour in our history. We are honored by their presence and their willingness to give back to those in need,” says Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox who will also be speaking to the Boys State students on Tuesday, May 31, at 9 a.m. in Morgan Auditorium.

Retired Judge Pete Johnson of Birmingham, longtime director of Boys State, says the program instills a desire to serve through community service and shapes the young men into better citizens. “The American Legion Alabama Boys State works hard to give outstanding young men from throughout Alabama the chance to grow by learning how leadership can and does make a difference in their government and their lives,” Johnson said.

Guest speakers, all in Morgan Auditorium, include:

-Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange, Tuesday, May 31, 11 a.m.

-Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb, Wednesday, June 1, 11 a.m.

-Alabama Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey, Friday, June 3, 1:30 p.m.

For more information about the 2011 Boys State convention, including a complete schedule of events, go to http://alboysstate.org