Boys State delegates develop life skills

In summer 1972, I had just finished my junior year in high school.

I was also one of a few boys selected from my class to participate in Boys State, then being held at Oklahoma State University.

Boys State, sponsored by the American Legion, is an annual program that teaches boys how government works while developing leadership skills and instilling an appreciation for our rights.

I held some office in the imaginary Colston City, I don’t remember exactly which one, and was a representative to our made-up state government.

Even then, we debated hot issues such as decriminalizing marijuana — we didn’t — and state budgets, which in an imaginary setting was flush with money.

I remember one session in which members of one party kidnapped the leader of another party so he couldn’t bring certain legislation to the floor.

I’m not trying to give our state leaders any ideas here, but it worked splendidly for a bunch of teenagers.

Edmond Post 111 Boys State Chairman Richard Prawdzienski said the American Legion’s 2010 Boys State program will be from May 29 to June 5 at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College in Miami, OK.

Boys State application forms are available to high school juniors from their school counselors.

Donations of $175 can sponsor one boy.

To help sponsor a student, or for more information, call Pawdzienski at 844-7577.