Boys State is a five-day program where student delegates were given a crash course on forms of U.S. government. The boys arrived with their parents and other family members on Sunday, June 16, registered and got right to work.
They were educated on local, county and state governments and how each should work. They learned about all aspects of not only these forms of government but also how to campaign, get signatures to get on the various ballots and how to run for these offices.
They elect a governor, House and Senate, as well as district attorneys, county commissioners and sheriffs. The delegates heard from state and elected officials during the week, including U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud, Secretary of State Matt Dunlap, Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner Chandler Woodcock, former District Attorney Michael Povich, Augusta Mayor William Stokes and Cumberland County Manager Peter Crichton.
The program attempts to get officials from all areas who give of their time to assist in this program. The program also shows how people in government can work together, be respectful of each other while doing it and make lifelong friends.
Boys State is supported by the various 176 American Legion Posts, high school guidance staff, volunteer staff, and small businesses throughout the state that sponsor these young men to the program.
From the program, two delegates are selected to attend the American Legion’s national program, Boys Nation, held in Washington, D.C. The two are Kyle Hietala of West Bath, who was also elected as Dirigo Boys State governor, and Jared Dumas of Lewiston. The national program will be July 19-26 in Washington, D.C.
Several other awards were presented to staff and students alike.
At Boys Nation, Hietala and Dumas will serve as senators representing Maine and have the opportunity to learn about the structure and function of the federal government system.
During the one-week program they will elect officials up to and including the president.
This year’s Boys Nation agenda includes visits with senators, tours of national monuments and a talk by Holocaust survivor Nesse Goden.
There are planned live stream broadcasts of select events at www.legiontv.org.
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