State Program Produces Community's Next Leaders

As a representative of this program I wanted to make available this program called Boys State & Girls State. This program is sponsored by the American Legion and is offered free of charge to high school students through out Rhode Island. This program teaches the operation of our democratic system which follows the state of RI forum.

The class elects students for the 5 general offices, and the rest assume postions of senator. They come together representing two parties — Nationalist/Federlist. Each student has to write three pieces of legislation on any subject that is current today. After debating these bills, the students will vote on them in a mock senate session at the RI state hrouse.

Included in this program are several speakers from state and local government to speak to the students on various topics of government. Bristol Town Administor Dianne Mederios spoke to the class this past Tuesday. These students graduate this Friday. Two students selected by their class will further their training as they attend Boys Nation in Washington, D.C., in July, another free trip provided by the Ameircan Legion.

We try to promote this program through local high schools and guidance departmens but continue to have problems getting this program out to interested students. If anyone knows of an upcoming junior student interested in the government, have them look for our promotions in late January 2013.

Hats off to these outstanding students for attending this program and I am sure will be our future representatives and town officials.