Boys, Girls State set for Bangor, Waterville

The 61st Dirigo Girls State and 60th Dirigo Boys State will be held from June 17 through June 22 at Husson College in Bangor and Thomas College in Waterville, respectively.

This year high schools statewide are sending about 300 delegates to each, totaling more than 600 participants in the American Legion program aimed at teaching civics to teenagers.

Eligible participants have just completed their junior year and are sponsored by at least one organization. Traditionally, sponsors for the $230 participation fee include veterans organizations, banks, businesses and patriotic, civic, labor, student, teacher or religious groups.

The weeklong experience consists of mock government sessions during which students role-play as citizens, campaign managers, elected officials and lobbyists. The goal of the week is to give students a firsthand look at town, county and state governments in Maine and pique their interests in local civic affairs.

Shawn Babine, the deputy director of the Boys State program, said in an interview students benefit greatly from participating in the program.

“If you look at the kids that leave, they are more active citizens,” Babine said.

Babine said a couple of years ago a former delegate, Henry Beck of Waterville, left Boys State and became one of the youngest city councilors ever, winning his seat at the age of 19.

“It’s really one of the best programs in the state of Maine,” Babine said. “At the very least, we teach kids to be consistent voters, the minimum responsibility we have as citizens.”

Numerous state officials are scheduled to speak to the young delegates, including Gov. John Baldacci, who will visit both campuses.

Sen. Susan Collins, a former Girls State delegate herself, is making her 13th consecutive appearance and is the opening speaker at Husson College on Sunday. Collins said in a press release that the new delegates should look forward to their experience.

“Based on my experience, I know all the participants will be challenged and inspired. They will work hard and have fun. They will learn some great songs and they will make even greater friends,” Collins said. “Most important, they will get a hands-on lesson in citizenship that will last a lifetime.”

Other Girls State speakers include Margaret Kravchuk, a federal judge from Bangor, and Tim Wilson, former director of the Seeds for Peace program. Several state representatives, including Rep. Leila Percy, D- Phippsburg, Rep. Emily Cain, D-Orono, and House Majority Leader Hannah Pingree, D-North Haven, also have been invited.

Boys State speakers include Rep. Michael Michaud, Maine Attorney General Steven Rowe, and Thomas College President Dr. George Spann. Also invited to speak at Thomas College are Pingree, House Speaker Glenn Cummings, D-Portland, and House Assistant Minority Leader Joshua Tardy, R-Newport.