The 70th Annual American Legion Arkansas Boys State will be held May 30- June 4 on the campus of the University of Central Arkansas.
Boys State is a part of the American Legion’s Americanism Program, which gives young males an inside look at citizenship and civic responsibilities. The event also gives youth hands-on experience in the democratic process. More than 40,000 males have attended the annual event since its inception seven decades ago.
The opening session begins at 6:45 p.m., May 30 with Dalda Womack, chairman of the Boys State Commission; Dr. Allen C. Meadors, UCA President; Tab Townsell, Mayor of Conway; and Rusty Bush, Boys State Coordinator.On May 31, guest speakers include State Rep. Will Bond, Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel and Augusta Mayor Jimmy Rhodes. Bond kicks off the presentations at 8:30 a.m.
On June 1, there will be a mock trial beginning at 8:30 a.m. Assisting the Boys State participants in the mock trial are the Honorable Butch Hale, Prosecutor Hugh Finkelstein, Defense Attorney William Simpson and Cpl. Butch Davis with the North Little Rock Police Department. At 2:30 p.m. U.S. Senator Mark Pryor will address the participants. Lt. Gov. Bill Halter will speak at 6:30 p.m. and State Senator Shane Broadway will speak at 7:15 p.m.
On June 3, members of the state Senate and House will take part in the 2010 Boys State Legislative Program, which begins at 9:30 a.m. Gov. Mike Beebe will speak at 7:15 p.m.
All events will be in the Ida Waldran Auditorium in Old Main.
On June 4, participants will travel to the State Capitol, where they will convene in the state House and Senate chambers at 9:30 a.m.
