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Boys State/Girls State
By Charlotte Cushman | March 8, 2010
If you have a student in the 11th grade this year, you may be interested in looking into the week long summer program of Palmetto Boys’ State or Palmetto Girls’ State. This is a civics leadership program sponsored by the American Legion and aims to teach the functions and duties of city, county, and state government, and the duties of citizenship. Students have the opportunity to go to the state house, hear political speakers, run for various “offices”, etc…It’s a good learning experience even if you’re not interested in studying politics. You can also earn 3 hours of college credit through Clemson, which is accepted at Clemson and maybe at other schools…you would have to check/apply. There is a cost; it may be paid by the sponsoring American Legion Post. It was a rewarding experience this past year for my daughter, Katherine, who attended Girls’ State, and for Matthew Gay who attended Boys’ State. Feel free to ask them about it if you’re interested. Also, our own Stephanie Fowler attended when she was in high school!
The boys’ and girls’ programs are totally separate until the final day when they all gather for a parade down Columbia’s Main Street to the capital building.
Palmetto Boys’ State is housed at USC in dorms, while Palmetto Girls’ State takes place at Columbia College.
This year the dates for both are June 13-19.
If interested, you need to contact your local American Legion Post and ask about applying. They must turn in collected applications by the end of March, so call soon.
Hilton Head Post 185-Alexander Wattay 681-4960
Bluffton Post 205-Dennis Becker 705-3998
Beaufort Post #9-Post Commander Joseph Perkins 522-1109
Beaufort Post #207- Post Adjutant Coaxum 524-2974
If you’re not able to get the info from these numbers, call:
Boys State: Rev. Sinclair Lewis, American Legion Secretary Treasurer 864-375-1474
Girls State: No name, number is 803-772-6366
Email me if you have any questions…Gaye McNair sgmcnair@gmail.com
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