2017 American Legion Boys State
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION:
July 2017 Contact: MBS Headquarters 1-877-342-5627
MARE SPONSORS STUDENTS TO ATTEND 78th SESSION OF MISSOURI BOYS STATE
(WARRENSBURG, MO) – Lane Michael Floyd from Bowling Green High School and Luke Rhodes from Richland High School, both sponsored by the Missouri Association of Rural Education, were among 986 outstanding Missouri students to participate in the 78th session of The American Legion Boys State of Missouri program held June 17-24 on the campus of the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg.
Missouri Boys State is designed to educate and train young leaders in functional citizenship, leadership, and government. The student leaders, “citizens”, combine their knowledge and skills to build an entire operational state government in a single week which includes electing city, county, and state officials. Boys State is a pure democracy in that all citizens may vote and are eligible to hold office. Participants fully engage in activities during the eight-day program as they gain an understanding of government, learn about their rights and responsibilities as citizens, and enhance their leadership and citizenship skills.
Floyd and Rhodes were nominated to attend this once in a lifetime experience by their high schools and selected based on their academics, leadership, citizenship, and character. As a sponsor, the Missouri Association of Rural Education afforded Floyd and Rhodes the opportunity to participate in A Week to Shape a Lifetime - Missouri Boys State by funding the program fee.
Floyd (son of Sharon Floyd and Raymond Floyd) participates in the A+ Program and is a member of the National Honor Society and the Student Council. He is on the Honor Roll and earned an Academic Letter. Floyd participates in Football and is employed. During the week of Boys State, Floyd was a Citizen of Duggan City and a Member of the Federalist Party. He attended the Legislative School where he gained an understanding of state-level government. He was elected and fulfilled the duties as a Senator and also served as the Senate Committee Vice-Chairman. Floyd was actively involved in the Senate on the Ways and Mean Committee. In addition, he served as a Delegate to the County Committee, Ward I and as the County Committee Chairman where ran the County Caucus and helped lead the County Party rally. He assisted Duggan City in earning 2nd Place in the City Athletic Competition which included a variety of sports and a quiz bowl.
-- more --
Page 2
MARE SPONSORS STUDENTS TO ATTEND 78th SESSION OF MISSOURI BOYS STATE
Rhodes (son of Cindy and Jim Rhodes) participates in the A+ Program, Band, College Bound Program, Foreign Language - Spanish, Rodeo/Roping, and Quiz Bowl. He is a member of the Beta Club (earned first place state awards and participated in the national-level competition), Family Career & Community Leaders of America, Future Farmers of America, Trap Shooting Team, and Pep Club. Rhodes serves as a member of the Student Council, Class Officer, and Vice President for the FFA. He is on the Honor Roll and has earned an Academic Letter. Rhodes is also an athlete and participates in Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, and Track and is employed. At Missouri Boys State, Rhodes was a Citizen of Clark City and a Member of the Nationalist Party. He attended the Law Enforcement School and was elected a the Sheriff for Barton County. He also served as a Policeman, Ward II and Delegate to County Committee, Ward II.
During Boys State and along with all participants, Floyd and Rhodes were involved in a wide variety of educational and recreational activities and heard inspirational talks from and asked questions of both state and national leaders. Speakers for the 2017 session included: Missouri Governor Eric Greitens (Missouri Boys State Alum - 1991); Former Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski (Missouri Boys State Alum - 1958 and honored as the Missouri Boys State 2017 Alumnus of the Year); Former CIA Director John Brennan; Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway; and Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley.
The entire Boys State staff is comprised of educational, legal, professional, and civic leaders who volunteer their time each year. Missouri Boys State is a 501(c)(3) organization and is a Missouri American Legion program. Students have the opportunity to participate in this nationally recognized program due to sponsors, like MARE. Sponsors are critical to the continued success of the program since students and their families are not allowed to pay any portion of the program fee. Organizations, businesses, and individuals interested in becoming a sponsor are encouraged to contact the Missouri Boys State Headquarters at 1-877-342-5627.
Students who will be juniors during the 2017-18 academic year and are interested in participating should contact their High School counselor and visit the Missouri Boys State website at www.moboysstate.org. The 2018 session will be held June 16-23. Informational presentations by a Boys State staff member may be requested by contacting the Missouri Boys State Headquarters at 1-877-342-5627 or email bettie.rusher@moboysstate.org.