Boys State and Girls State, where high school students participate in mock government, instills patriotism, leadership qualities and teaches young people about government, the McComb Rotary Club was told Wednesday.
It also can alert some of them to college scholarships.
Speaking to the club was Steve Guyton, special projects coordinator for U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker and U.S. Rep. Gregg Harper, two youths who attended Boys State this year and Ben Kavanay, soon to enroll in the United States Air Force Academy.
Kavanay, son of David and Sandra Kavanay, said he became interested in applying to the academy while attending Boys State last year.
He began the application process which led to a nomination from Harper and acceptance to the academy.
Guyton, who is in charge of college day at Boys State, said an academy education is worth $403,000.
He mentioned other scholarships available to students and said “anybody can go to college” if they apply themselves and apply for scholarships.
Also speaking were Jake McDaniel and Hut Allen, two students sponsored by the Rotary Club to Boys State. They said it was a great experience and thanked the club for sponsoring them.
