Source: Boys' State of Kansas, 866-241-9920

Thursday, June 2, 2011

MEDIA ADVISORY: BOYS' STATE OF KANSAS RETURNS TO K-STATE CAMPUS FOR 20TH YEAR

MANHATTAN -- A variety of current and former state political leaders will address the delegates of the 74th annual American Legion Boys' State of Kansas Leadership Academy. Kansas State University is host of the academy at the Kramer Dining Complex and Goodnow and Marlatt halls, June 5-11.

The Boys' State program develops leadership through a mock government. Delegates are assigned a fictitious job and build their own state through various civic functions such as writing bills and ordinances and managing the local and state economy. Campaigning also takes place for positions ranging from governor to mayor.

Political leaders from across the state will address the delegates during the session. Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt, former state Secretary of Agriculture and state Rep. Josh Svaty and Kansas Appellate Court Judge Michael Buser will speak in a town hall format Tuesday, June 7. State Sen. Garrett Love, the youngest senator in state history, will speak Wednesday, June 8. Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley will speak Thursday, June 9.

"Each year the delegates to The American Legion Boys' State of Kansas are honored with insight provided by leaders from all branches and levels of government," said Rex Gardner, activities director for Boys' State. "Many of the featured speakers are past Boys Staters and this year include Attorney General Derek Schmidt, Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley and former Secretary of Agriculture Josh Svaty."

For more information on the program please visit http://www.kansasboysstate.org/ or call 866-241-9920.