Hoosier Boys State to begin Saturday

June 8 2006

More than 600 boys from around Indiana will arrive in Terre Haute Saturday (June 10) as Indiana State University hosts the 69th Hoosier Boys State.

Described as "a week to shape a lifetime" by the American Legion Department of Indiana, which sponsors the event, Hoosier Boys State provides delegates a hands-on experience in state and local politics and government.

Participants are assigned to either the Nationalist or Federalist political party and take part in the creation of a mythical 51st state. Delegates will learn about the various aspects of the political process, draw up a platform, adopt caucus rules and nominate candidates for governor and other offices.

Highlights include a primary election and political rallies, debates between gubernatorial and lieutenant governor candidates, a general election and inauguration of the 2006 Boys State governor.

Along the way, delegates will hear from current elected officials in real life, including Terre Haute Mayor Kevin Burke; Vanderburgh County Sheriff Brad Ellsworth, who is a candidate for U.S. representative; and state Rep. Andy Thomas of Brazil. .

This marks the 37th year Indiana State University has hosted Hoosier Boys State. More than 60,000 young Hoosiers have participated in the program since its inception in 1937. More than a million young men have taken part in Boys State nationwide since it began in Illinois in 1935.

Past Hoosier Boys State participants include Gov. Mitch Daniels; Sen. Richard Lugar; former U.S. Rep. Lee Hamilton; and Brian Lamb, president of C-SPAN.

Indiana State University will also host Hoosier Girls State June 19 - 25.

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Note to newsrooms: Highlights of the week?s activities include political rallies at 8 p.m. Tuesday, followed on Wednesday by a debate at 10 a.m., election at 11 a.m. and inauguration of the Boys State governor and other officials at 8 p.m.

Writer: Dave Taylor, media relations director, Indiana State University, (812) 237-3743 or dave.taylor@indstate.edu

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Story Highlights

Indiana State University will host Hoosier Boys State June 10 - 17. More than 600 delegates from around the state will take part in the program, sponsored by the American Legion Department of Indiana.

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