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Each summer, hundreds of young men and women from across Louisiana spend a week at LSU developing a greater understanding of leadership, citizenship, and democracy. But these students aren’t sitting at a desk with heavy textbooks trudging through dry lectures. Instead, they are in constant motion—planning their own cities; electing their own leaders; even writing, passing, and enforcing their own laws. Oh, and there’s lots of cheering, too. After all, this is Louisiana Boys State and Louisiana Girls State.
LSU has been hosting these two programs for more than 60 years. Louisiana Boys State began in 1940, five years after members of the American Legion sponsored the first Boys State in Chicago to educate young men about governmental and civic responsibilities. Within a few years, the American Legion Auxiliary began offering a similar program for young women, and the first Louisiana Girls State was held in 1941. Today 49 states, Puerto Rico, and a few Central American countries host Boys State and Girls State programs. Louisiana’s programs are unique in that this is the only state to hold the sessions concurrently, said D’Ann Morris, director of Louisiana Boys State and Girls State. She added that LSU’s strong relationship with the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary has played a significant role in the success of the programs.
“Louisiana is the only state that has consistent support from one university. No other institution in the country provides the kind of support that LSU gives these students,” she said. How do the programs work? The motto for the programs is “learning by doing.” And what better way to learn about government operations and civic duties than by playing the parts of city, parish, and state leaders? With more than 600 participants in each program, there are quite a few roles to cast. Morris describes the program as “an exercise in mock government.” “The program’s purpose is not to make little politicians. It’s to teach students how important it is to become an informed citizen,” she said. “We hope that they’ll take back a sense of community ... learn how to vote, and the importance of service.”
Upon their arrival, participants, or “citizens,” are randomly separated into cities and assigned to a political party (either Federalist or Nationalist). Two cities become a parish, and 10 parishes comprise the state. By the end of the second day, all citizens hold a city or parish office, such as city engineer, mayor, sheriff, coroner, or district attorney. Participants then work together to create and enforce ordinances and to recreate the operations that their cities and parishes require. As the program continues, students hold political primaries and elect state officers, such as governor, commissioner of agriculture, and secretary of state. “This has really helped me see how the government works, because at Boys State, we really run our own state,” said Nathaniel Guy of Lake Charles. “We have to create our own city projects. We’re our own judges, our own police force. It’s unbelievable. I’ve been to a lot of programs, but nothing compares to this.”
Ashley Porche of Baton Rouge described her week at Girls State as one of the best experiences she’s ever had. “It’s really taught me to appreciate our government and public leaders, and it’s encouraged me to get involved.” “In one word, [Boys State is] excellent,” said Carey Ash of Baton Rouge and Governor of Boys State 2003. “It’s rigorous. It keeps you active, and it helps you understand your government. It taught me that politics, though it has a bad reputation, is all about what you make it.” Traditions of success
All members of the Boys State and Girls State staff were once former “citizens” themselves. They return to the program as volunteers. No one affiliated with these programs is paid for his or her service. Their commitment to the program and its goals bring them back year after year to help ensure that future programs are as successful and memorable as the previous ones. “These are life-long lessons,” said Stephanie Murray, an environmental engineer, a staff member for Girls State 2003, and a citizen of Girls State 1995. “It’s great to watch the girls go through what I went through as a citizen.”
Stephen Hanemann, a New Orleans attorney and the program director for Boys State 2003, has returned each year since he was a citizen in 1994 and said he frequently remembers what he learned from the experience. “I went three-and-a-half days without sleep that week. I remember thinking that if I could get through that week, then I could get through anything,” he said, adding that he still looks to his time as a Boys State citizen whenever he needs a boost of motivation. This year marked the tenth year that Hanemann set aside time to continue to be part of the program he so strongly believes in.
“Whether it’s my vacation or not, for eight days in August, I’ll be at Boys State...This is a wonderful program, and I hope I can come back every year.” Even former State Representative Hunt Downer, a citizen of Boys State 1963 and a past counselor, returned to the program to speak at the joint convocation ceremony. “Your experiences here are the fundamentals for what you are to experience in the future,” he told the citizens of 2003. Downer added that while he didn’t know where his career would take him he still remembered and applied what he learned from Boys State throughout the journey. “The fundamentals that I learned here helped me get where I am today,” he said. Hard work, dedication pay off
The programs are not without their challenges and long nights, but many of the participants listed scores of memories, lessons, friendships, and life-long experiences they’ll take home with them. “I learned a lot about politics and the way government works. I learned a lot about people and how passionate young people really can be,” said Katie Sciortino of Mandeville and Governor of Louisiana Girls State 2003. “I had my ups and downs, but I learned a lot and I grew.” Katie Calogero, who was named Chief Justice of Girls State, said she enjoyed the unique family twist of her experience as well as the support she received from other citizens. “My experience was more special because my dad is the Chief Justice, and I got to experience his job for a while,” she said. “But one of the biggest things I learned ... was to keep trying even when you fail. I ran for a lot of offices and even if I didn’t win, I had the support of so many amazing people.” “There’s just so much for Louisiana to look forward to,” said Jenna White of Leesville. “I never knew there were so many great, amazing women to help our state.” “Boys State is one challenge after another,” said Danny Canady of Bossier City. “Coming here, it’s mandatory that you learn hardwork, persistence, and team work. What I’ve learned here will apply itself. It’s a part of me and will work its way into what I do.” Written by Teresa Devlin | LSU
Office of University Relations
Contact Information Boys' State/Girls' State Related Links Boys
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