Hoosier Boys State

Trine to host Hoosier Boys State 75th anniversary celebration

 

ANGOLA — American Legion Hoosier Boys State, a program dedicated to turning young men into informed citizens, will celebrate its 75th anniversary at Trine University on June 10-16.

Nearly 600 recommended high school junior boys from across the state will gather to learn about government and political parties at Hoosier Boys State. The program moved to Trine in 2009, after 39 years at Indiana State University. The legion has been impressed with Trine’s facilities, as well as the dedication and support of Trine employees.

Taking the theme “A Week to Shape a Lifetime,” the weeklong residential learning experience examines the operation of Indiana’s democratic form of government, the organization of political parties, and the practical application of the knowledge gained from both.

Former Notre Dame football coach, ESPN analyst and Trine trustee Lou Holtz will be among the many lawmakers, leaders, lobbyists and elected officials sharing their expertise at the event.

“Coach Holtz is a motivator and a teacher,” said Trine University president Earl D. Books II, Ph.D., who invited the Hall of Fame football coach to speak at the event. “We hope his stories of triumph and overcoming obstacles will speak to these outstanding young men who have interest in leading, not only in their future workplaces, but our communities, states and nation.”

While Holtz does not have a political background, he is known for the inspiration he shares in addresses around the country, as well as in his many books on the New York Times Bestsellers List.

 “Your talent determines what you can do. Your motivation determines how much you are willing to do. Your attitude determines how well you can do it,” Holtz writes in the first pages of “Winning Every Day.”

Hoosier Boys State director Steve Bowman of the American Legion added that lobbyist John Willy, Judge Allen Wheat and State Representative Mark Messmer will participate in the event.  He added that students will study how government operates at the city, county, and state level, and learn the duties of the office holders associated with each level. Opportunities to heighten delegate awareness and broaden the skills necessary to function in a democratic society are offered through special schools focused upon law, media and politics, speech, leadership, legislative processes, military service careers, lobbying and law enforcement.

Indiana government leaders who have been American Legion Hoosier Boys State high school delegates include Gov. Mitch Daniels, former Gov. Frank O’Bannon, former Sen. Birch Bayh and former U.S. Congressmen Phil Sharp  and Lee Hamilton.

Hoosier Boys State will celebrate its 75th anniversary with a program Sunday at 1 p.m. in Hershey Hall on the main campus in Angola.  Bill Bailey, president of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and former member state representative, will be featured as the keynote speaker for the celebration.  State Rep. Kreg Battles will present a joint resolution honoring Hoosier Boys State for 75 years of success. In addition, Battles will bring a special proclamation from Gov. Mitch Daniels.

To share your news, contact Trine University communication specialist Lindsay Winslow Brown at winslowbrownl@trine.edu.