Today, they’re bright, eager high school students, but tomorrow they could be our political leaders making policy decisions in Lansing and Washington D.C.
A highly-motivated group of eight 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 mighty reins of government.
Juniors Jenifer Bizzotto, Kate McQuater, Kim Rizzo and Lanie Money were selected to attend the 67th session of the Michigan American Legion Auxiliary Girls State, to be held June 15-21 on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing.
They will join about 400 other young ladies from around the state who will get hands-on training in government.
Juniors Chase Tucker and Chad O’Brien were chosen to attend the 71th session of the Michigan American Legion Boys State, also to be held June 15-21 on the campus of Northwood University in Midland. The boys will join about 750 other young men from around the state.
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 of their own creation.
Students learn the duties and functions, as well as the powers and limitations, of various public offices in the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government.
‘These kids will learn what it’s really like to make the big decisions that affect not just them, but thousands or even millions of other people,? said Helen Smith, local chairperson for Boys State and Girls State. ‘The whole thing is designed to build respect for the democratic process and give kids an understanding of how and why it all works the way it does.?
During the week-long programs, participants 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, learning parliamentary procedure, problem-solving and practicing the art of compromise.
The $325 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 $335 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, two OHS students will learn about law enforcement by undergoing realistic officer training.
Juniors Kyle Hibdon and Taylor Joseph are slated to participate in the Youth Career Law Enforcement program (formerly known as Student Trooper) to be held July 28-Aug. 1 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.
Patterned after the regular state police recruit training program, the five-day program is designed to duplicate a ‘Boot Camp? atmosphere.
The $375 per student cost for the Youth Career Law Enforcement Program is paid for by American Legion Post 108 and AMVETS Post 108.
After they attend their programs, the Boys State and Girls State participants along with the student troopers will report their experiences and what they learned to their various sponsors.