Robin Carnahan: “Saturday, June 16 starts the 62nd session of Missouri Boys State. Founded in 1938 by the Missouri American Legion…”

“Saturday, June 16 starts the 62nd session of Missouri Boys State. Founded in 1938 by the Missouri American Legion, Missouri Boys State has educated over 33,000 young men on the basic principles of democracy. For more than 60 years, Missouri Boys State has lived up to its motto and has made an ``investment in our State's greatest resource--the youth of Missouri.'' Boys State was started in 1934 in Illinois by Dr. Hays Kennedy and Harold Card, and was designed to teach democratic ideals to America's youth. The four founding members of Missouri Boys State, Jerry F. Duggan, Harry M. Gambrel, Dr. Truman L. Ingle, and A.B. Weyer, did not realize that Missouri's program would develop into one of the most successful and prestigious programs in the country for youth involvement. The Missouri Boys State program has become one of the most revered honors bestowed upon high school boys in Missouri. The first session occurred in Fulton, MO in 1938 with 129 young men. This year's session is expected to draw over 1,000 participants including over 100 counselors. From that very first session in 1938 to today, the same message rings true--``Democracy depends on me!'' Boys State continues to stress the important aspects of serving the public and one's community. The success of Missouri Boys State continues today.”