Gainesville students attend week-long Boys State and Girls State program

Five Gainesville High School students recently returned from a unique experience at the American Legion Auxiliary Missouri Girls State and American Legion Boys State of Missouri at Lindenwood University in St. Charles.

The GHS students were among 1,900 other high school students from across Missouri who  learned from guest speakers and hands-on activities aimed at preparing students for future success. 

The program featured students, referred to as “citizens” at boys and girls state, simulating all parts of the democratic process, which involved electing leaders and role-playing in a mock legislature.

In addition to those activities, prominent guest speakers were featured throughout the week, including notable community and political leaders, legal and business experts and people who have shown incredible courage in the face of adversity. 

The “citizens” also observed a real case in the Missouri Court of Appeals and a United States naturalization ceremony.

“Lindenwood is proud to welcome outstanding students from Missouri to our campus for a fourth year. The Missouri Girls State and Missouri Boys State programs attract the best and brightest, the kind of students we want here at Lindenwood,” Lindenwood University President Dr. John R. Porter said. “Now more than ever, we need leaders who are eager to make meaningful change and illuminate paths forward for their communities.”

Established over 85 years ago, Missouri Girls State and Boys State of Missouri offers free participation for students. Funding for the programs comes from school districts, private businesses, American Legion Posts, American Legion Auxiliary units and service clubs across the state.

Missouri Boys State defines its foremost value as “that the individual is the one with the power to change the world. Whether athlete or politician, journalist or scientist, each and every one of us has the power to make a difference in the world.” The programs provide an opportunity for students to embody Lindenwood’s mission on the University’s campus in a pivotal year before they make their enrollment decision.