La Porte High School along with the local American Legion Auxiliary Unit, have announced the participants for the 2013 session of Hoosier Boys and Girls State. This once in a lifetime experience is offered to high school students interested in politics and government. The participants learn about citizenship and government by setting up their own miniature city, county, and state governments, which they then run according to Indiana law.
This year Hoosier Boys State will be conducted at Trine University in Angola. This will be the 75th session of Hoosier Boys State and it will be “a week to shape a lifetime.” The program will run from June 16th to June 22nd. La Porte High School junior Jordi Saunders was selected to represent the area.
Hoosier Girls State will also be conducted at Trine University, and for the 72nd session is proud to have a strong group of girls to “Learn Today and Lead Tomorrow.” La Porte High School students Abigail Witherow, Megan Martin, and Jessica-Lena Bohlin were selected to attend from June 23rd to June 28th.
Both programs strive to develop leadership and pride, educate about local government, instill an understanding of American traditions, and stimulate a desire to maintain our democratic government process.
The students are selected via the local American Legion Auxiliary. It takes a special individual to attend Hoosier State. The criteria include: completion of junior year in high school, interest in government and current events, high moral character, strong leadership skills, and excellent academic standing. Many of the representatives selected from La Porte High School are active in either student government or speech and debate.
Jordi Saunders
“I am looking forward to running for office.”
Abigail Witherow
“I am excited to meet new people and learn about government.”
Megan Martin
“I am extremely interested in politics and government.”
Jessica-Lena Bohlin
“I have been involved in the American Legion Oratorical Contest. Being in Speech & Debate also influenced me to do Hoosier Girls State. I am very interested in politics.”