Alabama Boys State Returns to UA

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Some 600 Alabama high school seniors will try their hands at politics and community service from Sunday, May 29, to Saturday, June 4, during the 2016 American Legion Alabama Boys State convention on The University of Alabama  campus.

During the week, students conduct mock elections and learn about civic processes as well as participate in community service projects. Students will work on service projects from 2 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 31, to Friday, June 3, at Central Elementary School, 1510 Dinah Washington Ave., and Northington Elementary School, 1300 21st St.

Guest speakers will address the Boys State participants. Clint Usher, retired Merrill Lynch executive and motivational speaker, will address the students at 7 p.m. Sunday, May 29. Other speakers include: Judge John England, at 7 p.m. Monday, May 30; John Merrill, Alabama secretary of state, at 9 a.m. May 31; and former U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner, at 1:30 p.m. June 1. The speeches will be in Morgan Auditorium on the UA campus.

Alabama Boys State is a leadership and government training program. It is among the highest honors granted to high school senior boys. Students from around the state are chosen based on their demonstration of leadership, hard work, strong morals and motivation in school and community activities.

Delegates will have the opportunity to join interest groups that focus on their individual areas of interest, including law and law enforcement, aerospace, local government and the environment. Judge Pete Johnson serves as director of the American Legion Alabama Boys State program.

For details on events and service projects, contact Alabama Boys State staff members during the week at 205/348-9840 or Tim Hebson, UA dean of students, at 205/348-8237 or thebson@sa.ua.edu.