Today, they’re high school students, but tomorrow they’ll be the civic leaders and public servants guiding our communities and the nation.
Four Oxford High School students have been selected to participate in three summer programs designed to educate them about public service, promote good citizenship and prepare them to someday take the reins of society.
Junior Clare Hubbard was chosen to attend the 65th session of the Michigan American Legion Auxiliary Girls State, to be held June 18-24 on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing.
Juniors Phillip LaBrash and Bradley Low were selected to attend the 69th session of the Michigan American Legion Boys State, also held June 18-24 on the MSU campus.
Both Boys State and Girls State operate as real-life simulations in which participants serve as public officials in mock city, county and state governments.
‘It’s an eye-opening learning experience for them,? said Helen Smith, local chairperson for Boys State and Girls State. ‘It teaches them how our government really works and how they can participate in it as citizens and future leaders.?
During the week-long programs, pariticipants engage in a variety of activities including campaigning for office, voting for candidates, enacting laws, formulating public policy, participating in conventions for mythical political parties and learning parliamentary procedure.
The programs are designed to emphasize the importance of government in modern life; educate young people in the duties, rights, privileges and responsibilities of American citizenship; and awaken a sincere conviction that a well-informed, intelligent, participating citizenry is vitally needed to protect and serve our representative system of government.
The $300 per student cost for Girls State was paid for by Oxford Women’s Club, AMVETS Post 108, Rotary Club of Oxford and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 108.
The $265 per student cost for Boys State was covered by American Legion Post 108, AMVETS Post 108 and the Rotary Club of Oxford.
In addition to politics and government, one OHS student will learn about law enforcement by undergoing realistic officer training.
Junior Jacob Powers is slated to participate in the Youth Career Law Enforcement program (formerly known as Student Trooper, to be held July 23-28 at the Michigan State Police Training Academy in Lansing.
Billed as a ‘mini version of actual Michigan State Police Training,? the program is geared toward students interested in a police career and involves intense physical and educational training. The $350 per student cost for the Youth Career Law Enforcement Program is paid for by American Legion Post 108 and AMVETS Post 108.