Boys and Girls State Return to WSU
OGDEN, Utah – Weber State University will host approximately 700 high school students at the annual Utah Boys and Girls State conferences in June. Girls State will be held June 5-10, with Boys State June 12-16.
Girls State is celebrating its 70th birthday this year with a cake and a ’70s-themed party, June 8, 8:30 p.m. in Shepherd Union Ballroom B.
“This organization is one of the largest organizations dedicated to helping develop a sense of patriotism in young women,” said Kari Hofheins, Utah Girls State director. “As we have been planning this year’s conference, we are hoping we can help young women connect with their nation and their community, as well as connect with the rich history that surrounds them.”
Students are eligible to participate in both Girls and Boys State after completing their junior year of high school. Participants will engage in courses designed to promote civic responsibility and good citizenship while interacting with peers from other schools.
“The programs provide an early opportunity for high school students to learn how the electoral and government systems of Utah work,” said Carol McNamara, who served as a site liaison and is director of WSU’s Olene S. Walker Institute of Politics & Public Service. “More importantly, it teaches them that their involvement in public life is essential to the success of an effective representative democracy. They learn how to run for office and become leaders and active citizens in their communities.”
To learn how American democracy functions, students participate in all phases of forming a government, including running for political office, drafting and debating legislation, and practicing public speaking and debate skills.
In addition, attendees will hear from guest speakers such as Utah Gov. Gary Herbert and Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox, as well as local leaders including Ogden Mayor Mike Caldwell.
Boys State is sponsored by American Legion and Girls State by American Legion Auxiliary.
“The programs are sponsored around the country to supplement high school civics instruction,” said Ken Hoyal, American Legion Utah Boys State director. “The Utah curriculum is coordinated with Weber State University’s Department of Political Science to provide an enhanced learning environment and academic university credit for participating high school students.”
Participants earn three hours of political science college credit at any state-funded Utah university.
Visit legion.org/boysnation/websites for more information about the program.
Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.
Charles Bowker, Office of Marketing & Communication
801-626-7295 • charlesbowker@weber.edu- Contact:
Kari Hofheins, Utah Girls State director
435-438-5401 • karihofheins@gmail.comKen Hoyal, Utah Boys' State Director
801-781-0960 • khoyal@mail.weber.eduCarol McNamara, Walker Institute director
801-626-6206 • carolmcnamara@weber.edu