2019 American Legion Boys State
MARE SPONSORS STUDENTS TO ATTEND 80th SESSION OF MISSOURI BOYS STATE
(WARRENSBURG, MO) – Blaine Reed from Owensville High School and Benjamin Matthew Morrison from Otterville High School, both sponsored by the Missouri Association of Rural Education, were among 951 outstanding Missouri students to participate in the 80th session of The American Legion Boys State of Missouri program held June 15-22 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.
Reed and Morrison 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 Reed and Morrison the opportunity to participate in A Week to Shape a Lifetime - Missouri Boys State by funding the program fee.
Reed (son of Heather and Michael Reed) earned an Academic Letter and was named to the Honor Roll. He participates in the A+ Program and Gifted Program and is a member of a 4-H Club, Future Farmers of America, Letterman’s Club, Church Youth Group, and College Bound Program. Reed also participates in Band, Baseball, Basketball, Football, Golf, and Track; is a Scholar Athlete; and is employed. During the week of Boys State, Reed was a Citizen of Clark City and a Member of the Nationalist Party. He attended the Public Administration School where he gained an understanding of the city and county level government structures. He was elected and fulfilled the duties as a City Council Member; served as a Delegate to State Convention, Ward III; and was a Firman, Ward III. In addition, Reed opened and ran a business where he learned the economic impact of a business on his city, the importance of complying with city, county, and state laws and ordinances, and how to pay taxes on the revenue generated by his business.
Morrison (son of Katherine and Brian Morrison) earned an Academic Letter, was named to the Honor
Roll, and is a member of the National Honor Society. He participates in the A+ Program, Business
Contest, and Future Business Leaders of America. Morrison serves as a Class Officer/Student Body,
High School Sports Manager, and on the Yearbook Staff. He is a member of the Future Farmers of
America and Math Club. He also participates in Baseball, Basketball, and Track and is a Youth Sports
Official. At Missouri Boys State, Morrison was a Citizen of Gambrel City and a Member of the
Federalist Party. He attended the Campaigning & Political Operations School. He served as the City Party Secretary.
During Boys State and along with all participants, Reed and Morrison 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 2019 session included: Kansas City Mayor Sly James; Missouri Treasurer Eric Schmitt; Journalist and Moderator
of CBS News’ Face the Nation Margaret Brennen; Missouri Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe; and Lieutenant General
Martin Steele (Ret.).
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 660.429.2761.
Students who will be juniors during the 2019-20 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 2020 session will be held
June 13-20. Informational presentations by a Boys State staff member may be requested by contacting Bettie Rusher at
the Missouri Boys State Headquarters at 660.429.2761 or email bettie.rusher@moboysstate.org.