Local student selected for Boys State

RANDOLPH – A Randolph student has been selected to attend the American Legion Cornhusker Boys State program.

Gage Jensen, Randolph, will join nearly 270 other high school juniors from across the state to participate in the program June 2-8, at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The annual citizenship program, sponsored by the Nebraska American Legion, is designed to provide youths with a better understanding of how city, county and state governments operate. Locally, several groups are sponsoring Jensen’s program participation, including American Legion Post 113, Randolph; VFW Post 5545, Randolph; American Legion Post 149, Belden; American Legion Auxiliary, Belden, and Randolph Public Schools.

Boys State is set up as a functional “51st state” and each participant learns how government subdivisions operate by actually doing the job. Boys campaign for offices, hold elections, take part in band and chorus, compete in athletics and are involved in other varied activities as part of the citizenship training program.

Special lectures and addresses will be delivered by experienced public officials and professional leaders throughout Nebraska. Invitations have been sent to the Governor’s and Secretary of State’s offices for special appearances at this year’s program. Nationally acclaimed motivational speakers are also scheduled to address the entire group.