|
|
| RELIVE 2008 ILLINOIS BOYS STATE | |
|
Congratulations to the 2009
|
The elections are finished. city, county, and state governments are closing down. Just seven days ago, almost 500 young men were most likely wondering what they got themselves into. Now they realize the experience of a lifetime...the experience of Boys State. As the 73rd annual session comes to an end, for many of these citizens a new life begins. While turning on the news on TV used to mean watching the weather and sports, most will now be following the government and politics with a sense of understanding...and hopefully a growing desire to get involved. While saying the Pledge of Allegiance used to be a chore, citizens of Boys State now understand what it truly represents. Singing the National Anthem will always bring back the memories of Boys State. While you've gotten to see and read about the extrinsic parts of our program, what you haven't seen yet is the instrinsic part...the understanding of liberty...the understanding of freedom...the understanding of politics...the understanding of one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. These are the true lessons of Boys State. As a high school teacher for 22 years, these are lessons which we can't teach in the classroom. They must be experienced by the individual. The Boys State experience is an opportunity. I'd be kidding you if I said that everyone ran for office, participated in 100% of the activites, and went to every class. But for those (who are most) who took advantage of the opportunity, their lives will never be the same. |
For me, there's been a lot of up's and down's while being here at Premier Boys State. Although I wasn't able to achieve all of the positions I set out to, I've been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to participate in the Premier Boys State State Police program and gain experience in a field that I plan to pursue later on in life. Through my experience here I've learned a lot about others, and also a lot about myself. Although the lessons on civics and politics have taken people to places as huge in life as the President of the United States, for me, the lessons on meeting new people and forming new friendships is one that can't be taught through a textbook or class, and is one of the greatest I'll ever learn.
|
"Boys State is the camp experience of a lifetime." The ability to interact with the diverse student population is wonderful, and making new friends has been quite enjoyable as well. The unique insight into our nation's government is extremely beneficial not only to this week's set of objectives, but also to my life and the lives of all the citizens here at Boys State. Taking what I have learned and implementing the ideals into my life will allow me to become a better individual and citizen of our great nation. Jarod Pope Foreman – Atteberry City |
