Contact: Sasha Steinberg
Mississippi State University today welcomed more than 350 rising high school seniors from across the state to learn about state and local government and the electoral process Sunday through Saturday [May 25-31].
Since 1939, Mississippi American Legion Boys State has served as the nation's premier program for teaching young men how government works, developing leadership skills and nurturing an appreciation for the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
Participants will hear from a diverse group of political and government leaders in historic Lee Hall's Bettersworth Auditorium. This year's speaker schedule includes:
Sunday, May 25
--Starkville Mayor Parker Wiseman, 7 p.m.
Monday, May 26
--U.S. Rep. Gregg Harper, 5 p.m.
Tuesday, May 27
--Former U.S. Rep. Travis Childers, 10:30 a.m.
--Gov. Phil Bryant, 5 p.m.
Wednesday, May 28
--Attorney General Jim Hood, 11 a.m.
--State Rep. Jeramey Anderson, 5 p.m.
Thursday, May 29
--State Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Cindy Hyde-Smith, 9 a.m.
--State Rep. Steve Holland, 5 p.m.
Friday, May 30
--State Rep. Toby Barker, 10 a.m.
--State Sen. Chris McDaniel, 5 p.m.
Saturday, May 31
--Lt. Johnny Poulos of the Mississippi Highway Patrol, 8 a.m.
In addition to government and electoral issues, participants will have opportunities to compete in sports, quiz bowl and a talent show.
MSU will continue to serve through next year as host campus for the program that provides more than $100,000 in scholarships.
"We had a very successful year in 2013 because of MSU's graciousness to offer staff support, college credit and generous scholarship opportunities to our delegates," said state director Neal Boone.
The Boys State program is designed to have participants leaving as more educated and informed voters with an appreciation for our country's democratic process, Boone added.
"Boys State has a proven track record in helping young men become more successful leaders in their schools and local communities," he said. "It is the beginning of a journey full of opportunities and leadership that follows these young men the rest of their lives."
Complete details on the 2014 session are available at www.msboysstate.com.
Follow MS Boys State on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mississippi-American-Legion-Boys-State/12... and Twitter @MS_Boysstate.
MSU is online at www.msstate.edu.