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The American Legion Boys State of Missouri

Join the immersive government-in-action experience at Missouri Boys State 2019, promoting leadership and civic engagement skills among young male students. Explore democracy and earn scholarships.

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The American Legion Boys State of Missouri

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  1. The American LegionBoys State of Missouri • 2019 Session • June 15 - 22 Democracy Depends On Me

  2. Purpose • To offer a unique leadership and citizenship opportunity for selected young men who have successfully completed their junior year of high school and who are attending high schools Outside the Continental United States (OCONUS). We have up to eight slots for male OCONUS students

  3. What We Are • A hands-on government-in-action experience • A fast-moving and dynamic immersion into a “mythical 51st State” • An evolving and energetic program established in 1938

  4. What We Are Without question, the finest leadership experience in the country

  5. An Immersion Civics Experience • Participation in Missouri Boys State provides a unique opportunity for young men who are US Citizens stationed with their parents OCONUS - gives them the same opportunities as their Stateside peers • Immersion of future leaders into a motivating and fulfilling program • Expansion of the horizons of the youth of Missouri to the challenges experienced by US Citizens stationed OCONUS - AND vice versa • Strengthen the bonds between “Heartland America” and America’s families stationed outside the Continental United States (OCONUS)

  6. Eligibility Criteria • Must be between the ages of 15 and 19 by June 15, 2019 • Must have successfully completed his junior year of high school and have at least one semester of high school remaining after the close of the Boys State session • Must Demonstrate - • Exceptional Leadership and Citizenship • Outstanding Academic Achievement and Character • Desire to attend MBS

  7. Eligibility Criteria • Open to OCONUS male military or government civilian dependent students regardless of their parents’ home state - we do NOT limit applications to Missouri residents nor do we require any Missouri connections • Offered to OCONUS schools only; applicants from “mainland” (CONUS) schools must contact their specific Boys State programs

  8. Missouri Boys State 2019 • We are striving to expand our outreach to more OCONUS high schools • We can accommodate up to 8 qualified young men from OCONUS high schools • MBS will review and accept qualified applicants on a first come, first served basis • OCONUS Applications are due to MBS HQ by March 1st

  9. Participation Benefits • Enhance leadership skills • Develop an understanding of the privileges, rights, and responsibilities as citizens • Increase knowledge and appreciation for the workings and individual involvement in government, starting at the local level

  10. Participation Benefits - Scholarships • Over $2,000,000 in Scholarships available to MBS citizens • Full list of scholarships is available on our website: www.moboysstate.org/basics/collegecredit_scholarships/index.asp • MBS Citizen of the Week Scholarships • Winner receives a $10,000 scholarship ($2,500 per year for four years) • First Alternate receives a one-time $2,500 scholarship • Second Alternate receives a one-time $1,500 scholarship • Five additional citizens receive a one-time $500 scholarship • Samsung American Legion Scholarship • 5 National-level Scholarships at $10,000 each • 5 National-level Scholarships at $5,000 each • Governor’s Scholarship • $500 Scholarship and returns to serve as Governor

  11. Participation Benefits - College Credit • Opportunity to become eligible for • 2 or 3 hours college credit in Political • Science from the University of Central • Missouri (transferrable) • Two MBS Citizens chosen to represent Missouri at Boys Nation held in Washington, DC during July

  12. When and Where • June 15 through June 22, 2019 • University of Central Missouri • Warrensburg, Missouri • About 45 minutes east of Kansas City • About 90 minutes east of Kansas City International Airport (MCI) • About 10 minutes west of Whiteman AFB

  13. The Program • 980+ young men from Missouri high schools • Two political parties: Nationalist & Federalist • 16 Cities (with 3 wards) of 60 citizens • 8 Counties of 2 Cities • Complete Political Party Organizations • State • County • Ward • City

  14. The Program - Cities & Counties • 16 Cities of 60 citizens each • Mayor & City Council • Municipal Court • Chief of Police • City Reporter • 8 Counties of 2 Cities each • County Commission (executive body) • Circuit Judge • County Sheriff

  15. The Program - State • Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, State Auditor • All elected and appointed executive positions • State Legislature • Senate (3 elected from each city) • House of Representatives (6 elected from each city) • State Supreme Court • State Highway Patrol

  16. Schools of Instruction(MBS citizens select one area of focus) • Campaigning and Political Operations • Legislative and Executive Policy • Journalism and Media • Law • Law Enforcement • Public Administration

  17. Journalism (All produced by MBS citizens) Television • Daily taped broadcast shown at each evening general assembly (Supported by UCM) Radio • Nightly broadcast on KCMW-FM the University station (Supported by UCM) Newspaper • MBS Record is the daily newspaper

  18. Past Keynote Speakers • Political Analyst Juan Williams • Mayor of Kansas City Sly James • Missouri State Treasurer Eric Schmitt • Executive Vice President of the Aspen Institute Eric Motley • Author/Chocolatier/MBS Governor 1978 Shawn Askinosie • Missouri Court of Appeals Western District

  19. Mr. Juan Williams • Former CIA Director John Brennan • Missouri Governor Jay Nixon • Mr. Karl Rove • Mr. David Axelrod • Mr. Bob Woodward • Senator John C. Danforth • Honorable Richard Armitage • Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee • Honorable Robert M. Gates • General Wesley Clark • Senator Bill Bradley • Honorable William S. Cohen • Honorable William Perry • Ms. Lisa Myers • Mr. David Gergen • Representative J. C. Watts • Mr. Paul Begala • Missouri Governor Bob Holden • Mike Peters • Honorable John Bolton • Representative Emanuel Cleaver • Missouri Governor Matt Blunt • Senator William Proxmire • Senator Paul Tsongas • Senator Lamar Alexander • Senator Kit Bond • Honorable Stephen Limbaugh • U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft • Mr. James Carville • General Ed Eberhart • Lieutenant General Martin Steele • Major General Charles Bolden • Honorable Edward “Chip” Robertson - Missouri Boys State Alumnus - Other Boys State Alumnus Speakers from Previous Years

  20. MBS - What We Are NOT • An athletic camp (but we do have sports) • A mini Boot Camp or OCS • A passive learning experience (it’s quite the opposite - citizens are fully engaged in all aspects of the program) • A classroom-oriented workshop (instead citizens learn through a hands-on experience)

  21. MBS Staff • A volunteer organization • Only two full-time positions in MBS Headquarters located at the University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO • During each June MBS session our staff surges to over 130 dedicated volunteers - nearly all are former MBS citizens and most have graduate or professional degrees • Attorneys, Businessmen, Educators, Doctors, Military Officers (active and retired) • Judges, Highway Patrolmen, Political Consultants • College Students • UCM Faculty and Administrative personnel • American Legionnaires

  22. MBS Staff • Two or more Counselors full-time with each MBS City • City Counselors typically have 3-10 years MBS staff experience • Assistant City Counselors have 1-2 years MBS staff experience

  23. 2018 OCONUS MBS Citizens Bettie Rusher - MBS, Manager of Development and Administration Ethan McCraney - Rota, Spain Corbin Hodge - Wahiawa, HI Cody Dettman - Edgren, Japan Ulises Yu - Seoul, Korea Cooper MacNicholl - Rota, Spain William “Rusty” Jones - MBS Board of Directors and Trustee; Colonel, USMC (Ret)

  24. 2018 OCONUS MBS Citizen Ethan McCraney Rota, Spain Mayor of Kohn City City Athletic Competition - 2nd Place Boys State has been great and a lot of fun. It exceeded my expectations. I was expecting to get into one of the schools but wasn’t sure which one. I was just looking to have a good time and I ended up Mayor of Kohn City. I enjoyed myself a lot. I would wholeheartedly recommend other OCONUS students come. It’s a really unique experience and something that you really don’t get to see every day. And, it’s something I would totally recommend. I would advise anyone who comes to get involved, do as much as you can, and try to get involved anyway you can. If you truly get involved it will be the best time of your life. Ethan McCraney, MBS 2018

  25. 2018 OCONUS MBS Citizen Corbin Hodge Hanalani Upper School, Hawaii Prosecuting Attorney Attorney City Council, Ward III Delegate to State Convention, Ward III City Athletic Competition - 1st Place On Ballot for Attorney General I ran for County Prosecuting Attorney and it’s a lot of fun. I originally intended to go into law at Boys State and wanted to run for Attorney General - but I lost the nomination. Even though I lost, I was glad that I got up and gave a speech in front of 500 people. That’s the most people I’ve ever spoken to and I didn’t mess up. Then I did a lot of law suits in the Hall of Justice and practiced law because that’s the career I want to do. It gave me an idea of what’s coming ahead and a foot in the door for pre-law requisite classes. It definitely solidified my choice to go into law. I would definitely recommend coming to Boys State. It’s been an amazing week and one of the biggest life changing decisions in my life. Corbin Hodge, MBS 2018

  26. 2018 OCONUS MBS Citizen Cody Dettman Edgren, Japan Gaming Commissioner Chief of Police Delegate to County Committee, Ward I Citizen of the Model City On Ballot for House of Representatives I had a great time and did a lot of different things. It was pretty wild; there was a lot of clapping; a lot of singing; and a lot of laughing. I was really nervous because I had no idea what I wanted to do or who I was going to see. But this week really made me open up and got me to talk to people and have a good time. I don’t talk a lot and I’m pretty quiet but this week everyone had to talk and you just had to step up. They made sure you had fun. It was worth it ten-fold; it was amazing. I would definitely recommend coming to Boys State. Just go for it. Cody Dettman, MBS 2018

  27. 2018 OCONUS MBS Citizen Ulises Yu Seoul, Korea Highway Patrolman Business Owner My expectations for Boys State - it would be a week of running for things and trying to improve my leadership. The first two days included hard work and non-stop activities. But it was super fun. My favorite thing about the program was the people - the way we all came together as one Boys State and had the best time of our lives. I would recommend the program for anybody. And if you do come, my best advice is to not hold back but go all in and enjoy yourself because this is a once in a lifetime experience. I went all in and it was a great experience. Ulises Yu, MBS 2018

  28. 2018 OCONUS MBS Citizen Cooper MacNicholl Rota, Spain Capitol Police Officer Business Owner Delegate to State Convention, Ward I Nationalist State Party Delegate, Ward I On Ballot for City Treasurer When I arrived it made me nervous to be one guy who traveled 22 hours from Spain to be with 1,000 of the best and brightest in Missouri - but it was a motivator. If you’re a future citizen thinking about participating, I would come and try for as many positions as possible. You probably won’t get some of them but you’ll learn a lesson - if you keep on working through - eventually you’ll find a job. I would recommend coming. It’s definitely a good investment of time. Cooper MacNicholl, MBS 2018

  29. 2017 OCONUS MBS Citizen Tucker Chase Hanalani Upper School, Hawaii Citizen of the Week - 2nd Alternate Citizen of the Week Nominee State Central Committee Secretary Presiding County Commissioner County Committee Chairman City Council, Ward I Delegate to County Committee, Ward I Attending Missouri Boys State lived out the words “A Week to Shape a Lifetime”. This program taught me the importance of being a positive active citizen and emphasized the importance of leadership. But most importantly, this program reinforced what it means to be an American citizen and to appreciate the freedoms and liberties that are inherited to us. After growing up as the son of a Soldier and living the majority of my life overseas, there is no greater national pride than being surrounded by almost a thousand boys, with arms linked together, singing “I’m Proud to be an American.” This moment was the most impactful moment of the week and shaped who I am and what I do for the rest of my life. Tucker Chase, MBS 2017

  30. 2016 OCONUS MBS Citizen Pedro Santiago Antilles HS, Puerto Rico Outstanding Political Party Leader Boys Nation Nominee Citizen of the Model City State Central Committee Chairman County Committee Chairman Delegate to State Convention , Ward I Delegate to County Committee, Ward I When I came to this program I had no idea what I was capable of doing. I never knew I could speak in front of 500 people. I never knew I could speak in front of 1,000 people. I never knew I could lead an entire political party. This program is great! It’s amazing. You build bonds - you connect with others who don’t know you - people are very friendly - the staff members are here for you. You will learn how to build a state government from the bottom up and you will enjoy it. Pedro Santiago, MBS 2016

  31. 2016 OCONUS MBS Citizen Jason Hyde Monanalua HS, Hawaii Outstanding Journalist Producer - KMBS Radio County Clerk It’s a quite wonderful program and I would recommend it to any student who is eligible to come. It’s definitely life changing. They say many times throughout the program - it’s A Week to Shape a Lifetime. I do feel there are so many things I gained from this program that will most definitely be useful. It changed the perspective I have on life and what options I have. Jason Hyde, MBS 2016

  32. 2016 OCONUS MBS Citizen Randle Steinbeck Ramstein HS, Germany Senator Senate Assistant Majority Leader Senate Committee Chairman State Central Committee Secretary County Committee Vice-Chairman Delegate to County Committee, Ward I Personally I’m not very big on public speaking. But when I got here everyone is really supportive and I didn’t even think about it - I just started running for offices. I know a lot of other people are like that too. Learning isn’t even the right word - it’s a complete experience that you just gain so much from it like government, civics, and how to interact with other people. It’s just amazing! Randle Steinbeck, MBS 2016

  33. Past OCONUS Participants 2018- Cody Dettman, Edgren HS, Japan - Corbin Hodge, Hanalani Upper School, Hawaii - Cooper MacNicholl, DGS HS, Rota, Spain - Ethan McCraney, DGS HS, Rota, Spain - Ulises Yu, Seoul HS, Korea 2014 - Christopher Hyde, Seoul HS, Korea 2010- Stephen Schaefer, DGF HS, Rota, Spain 2008- Luke Moragne, DGF HS, Rota, Spain 2007 - Zachary Collins, DGF HS, Rota, Spain - Ian Payne, DGF HS, Rota, Spain 2006 - Aaron Ellison, Hanau HS, Germany 2005 - Christopher McGlamery, DGF HS, Rota, Spain - Jonathan Hersack, Osan HS, Korea 2004 - Daniel Storm, DGF HS, Rota, Spain - Grady Pennell, Kadena HS, Okinawa, Japan 2003 - Herald Oertwig, Osan HS, Korea • 2017 - Tucker Chase, Hanalani Upper School, Hawaii • 2016- Jason Hyde, Moanalua HS, Hawaii • - Pedro Santiago, Antilles HS, Puerto Rico • - Randel Steinbeck, Ramstein HS, Germany • 2015 - Samuel Chase, Zama HS, Japan • - John Dunleavy, Seoul HS, Korea • - Patrick O’Toole, Lakenheath HS, UK • - Benny Perez, Antilles HS, Puerto Rico • - Tomoya Tisdale, Guam HS, Guam

  34. Past OCONUS Participation In 2015, Samuel Chase was selected as the Citizen of the Week and earned a $10,000 scholarship ($2,500 per year for four year). He was nominated by his MBS city (60 citizens) as best representing MBS during the week. He then competed with 15 other city nominees through an interview process and was selected by a Committee comprised of MBS Board Members as the Citizen of the Week. Samuel returned to serve on the MBS staff as an Assistant City Counselor during the 2016 and 2017 sessions. ~~~~~ In 2016 and 2005 (respectively) and through a similar process, Tucker Chase was selected as Citizen of the Week - 2nd Alternate and earned a $1,500 one-time scholarship and Christopher McGlamery was selected as Citizen of the Week - 1st Alternate and earned a $2,000 one-time scholarship.

  35. MBS Citizens’ Views I gained more knowledge about different people's lifestyles from him [Grady Pennell, Kadena HS, Okinawa, Japan].  It is because of these reasons that I feel that it is very important to continue having military dependents attend Missouri Boys State.  Alex Frangoulis, Liberty HS, Kansas City, MO I feel that it is important for young Americans everywhere to have a chance to see how our government works. I thought that it was cool that Daniel Storm from Rota, Spain could go to MBS and he added to the "melting pot" of diversity at Boys State. Rob Hicklin, Ft. Zumwalt South HS, St. Peters, MO I think it is vitally important that all citizens of America be given the opportunity to attend a Boys State Program somewhere in the country. It benefits the other members of Boys State by allowing them to get a new perspective on what it is like to be a U.S. citizen in a foreign country. Jacob Colbert, Hickman Mills HS, Kansas City, MO

  36. MBS Counselors’ Views • Pedro Santiago traveled a long way to come to Missouri Boys State, and he has made the most of his experience. From the start, he started talking with fellows citizens and told everyone to introduce themselves. He introduced himself as the future State Central Committee Chairman and achieved this difficult goal. Ingle City counselors have identified Pedro as one of the leaders of Ingle City and even all of Boys State. He gets along with everyone and has an amazing time just talking to other Boys Staters. His strong leadership is influential and apparent in Ingle City. • Isaac Caverly, 2016 MBS City Counselor for Ingle City • Randle Steinbeck has done an exceptional job. For him to live in another country--Germany-- and come to Missouri Boys State and win multiple political party positions, Randle has not only showed he can lead during Boys State but across the world. • Hayden Graham, 2016 MBS City Counselor of Pershing City • Jason Hyde was an exceptional student and jumped right in to be a major part in our radio broadcast program. He took pride in his work and was willing to go the extra mile when it came to ensuring the quality of the radio broadcast. His skill, dedication and willingness to help others explore broadcast journalism made him an excellent asset to the station. • Donavan McGoldrick and Ryan Gibson, 2016 MBS Staff - KMBS Radio

  37. OCONUS Parents’ View Thanks again for everything you did for Ethan this week. We’ve picked him up from the airport, and are on our way back to the house. From everything he’s told us already, this was a life changing week for him. Thanks again! Mark McCraney - Parent of Ethan McCraney, MBS 2018 • Ulises has arrived home and is so excited telling us all about Boys State. He had a great time and he is very impressed about all the things they did and learned.  We are very thankful with you and all the staff that made this possible. Hopefully we will get the opportunity to send Ulises’ brother in a few years.  • Sincerely, • Sukyand Edgar Yu - Parents of Ulises Yu, MBS 2018 37

  38. OCONUS Parents’ View • We are back in Spain and getting ready to start a new school year.  It is always with mixed feelings that we return abroad (Spain), leaving extended family and friends back in the States.  • Daniel's summer, this year, was certainly punctuated by his participation in Missouri Boys State.  He enthusiastically expressed that MBS helped him gain leadership skills, become part of a community with stateside peers, and experience American government in action.  Daniel has lived in an overseas military community all of his life, he has studied American government and participated in a high school curriculum that is very similar to stateside students.  Yet, he has never seen a community elect a mayor or congressman.  He was awestruck by democracy in action and came back as one proud American citizen.  • We thank you for opening your program to boys that are from DoDDs overseas locations.  Your ongoing communication, careful transportation planning, and warm welcome for Daniel made him feel a part of the "Missouri community" immediately.  Without hesitation we will encourage Rota High School to sponsor a student with support of a local organization.   • Please extend our appreciation to all those that made Daniel's participation possible.  Your team must be a fabulous group of caring and committed MBS admin. and staff!  There is now a fond place in Daniel's heart for Missouri! Jill and Richard Storm, 2004 38

  39. The Preferred Selection Process • High School Principal or Counselor • Chairs a nomination committee • Experience has shown that classmate popular vote is not a good selection process • Do not allow sponsors, parents, other relatives or friends to influence the selection process • Reviews eligible students • Shares information about MBS with students (and parents) and evaluates desire to attend • Selects one Primary and one Alternate to nominate

  40. Information Flyer • High School Counselors are encouraged to utilize this flier to announce the opportunity to participate in Missouri Boys State

  41. After Selection • Ensures the Primary Candidate and the Alternate complete an online application (available on our website - www.moboysstate.org) • Secures required signatures on the application • Principal should only sign applications for students nominated through the high school selection process • Sends proposed candidates’ applications with two photographs directly to MBS Headquarters for formal approval early in 2019 but no later than March 1st • Photographs will be used for positive identification on arrival at MBS

  42. The MBS Program Fee • 2019 MBS Program Fee for an OCONUS military dependent participant is $550 • Full MBS Program • Food, Dormitory, and Group Accident Insurance • Ground Transportation to/from Kansas City International Airport (MCI) • Air Transportation to/from MBS must be funded by either the family or other sources

  43. The Sponsor • MBS Program fee must be provided by one or a combination of sponsors, and NOT from parents/family • Can be a community service organization, commercial enterprise • Can NOT be individuals related to the selected candidate • Sponsor contributions are recognized in the annual yearbook, A Week to Shape a Lifetime, and on the MBS website • The acquisition of the Program fee from a sponsor(s) must be separate and distinct from the selection of an individual student

  44. Possible Sponsors • Headquarters/Units • Officers/SNCO Wives Clubs • Local Military Service Chapters • American Legion • VFW • AUSA and/or USMA Association of Graduates • AFA and/or USAFA Alumni Chapters • Navy League and/or USNA Alumni Association • Marine Corps League • PTA • Student Government • Phi Delta Kappa, Honor Societies • Rotary, Kiwanis, Toastmasters, etc. • Local Civilian Corporations/Businesses • Targeted Fundraising • Combinations of sponsors can and should be considered in order to achieve the required funding • Fundraising should be started early

  45. Payment of Program Fee • Checks should be made payable to Missouri Boys State and mailed to the MBS Headquarters, P.O. Box 667, Warrensburg, MO 64093 • Online payments may be made on our website at www.moboysstate.org/donate/ • Sponsor should include the name of the student in the memo section of the check or in the comments section of the online payment • MBS is recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Since no goods or services are rendered in return, most contributions are fully tax deductible.

  46. The Cost of Transportation • MBS can and will arrange/provide transportation to/from KC International Airport • MBS can NOT cover Citizen’s airfare • Airfare must be provided either by the sponsor or the MBS Citizen’s family • NOW is the time to locate sponsors who may assist with airfare • Nearly all participating families have scheduled US/CONUS summer visits around the MBS session (family weddings, grandparent visits, college visits, etc.), therefore saving a separate plane ticket to the states

  47. Travel Recommendations • $50-$75 spending money for use during MBS • MBS T-Shirt • Other MBS Logo Items • Sodas/Snacks • OCONUS dependents should travel with US Dollars and a means to communicate with Missouri Boys State staff (phone AND text capabilities, please) • Additional cash to cover meals during travel to/from MBS • Arrive one day early to meet MBS start time and also compensate for time difference (housing will be provided)

  48. MBS Program Details • Our web site contains more information: http://www.moboysstate.org • Our publication, A Week To Shape a Lifetime, may be requested from our Headquarters: • The American Legion Boys State of Missouri, Inc. • P.O. Box 667 • Warrensburg, MO 64093 • (660) 429-2761 Office • (877) 342-5627 (DIAL-MBS) Toll Free • (660) 429-2753 Fax • headquarters@moboysstate.org

  49. Points of Contact • Bettie Rusher, MBS Manager, Development and AdministrationThe American Legion Boys State of Missouri, Inc.P.O. Box 667Warrensburg, MO 64093(660) 429-2761 Office (877) 342-5627 (DIAL-MBS) Toll Free(660) 429-2753 Fax bettie.rusher@moboysstate.org • Armando Kuppinger Velasquez,MBS Senior Staff; Major, Army (Ret)(757) 593-4077 armando.k.velasquez@gmail.com

  50. Relationships with Other Programs • Missouri Boys State is incorporated independently from the American Legion Department of Missouri. We maintain a first-class program by virtue of our mutually supportive relationships. • The American Legion has a National HQ, but does not direct or control individual Boys State programs • Each Boys State program is unique to its home state • Within each state, the Boys and Girls State programs are run independent of the other. For more information visit: http://www.boysandgirlsstate.org • Girls State programs are administered by the American Legion Auxiliary, and not the American Legion

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