Lots of good news from Ohio lately. Several polls now show Obama in the lead. I think this is largely attributable to the “Youth Vote”. Obama has gotten those pesky kids interested in politics and I’m very proud to say that my nephew (actually grand-nephew) is one.
Every year since 1936, 1,400 Ohio High School Seniors travel to Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio to participate in Buckeye Boys State, a nine-day hands-on experience in the operation of the democratic form of government, the organization of political parties, and the relationship of one to the other in shaping Ohio government.
For the first time ever, Bowling Green can officially claim one of its own as Governor of Buckeye Boys State.
Nicholas Messenger, a rising senior at Bowling Green High School and a representative of the Federalist party for BBS, is set to be inaugurated at this evening’s ceremony at Anderson Arena.
Source: Buckeye Boys State Website
American Legion Buckeye Boys State is meant to teach young men about our democratic system of government. There is no better teaching technique than a “hands on” approach, and that’s exactly the approach we take. We create a “world-within-a-world”, closely mirroring real life, called the Buckeye Boys State. The Delegates make their way in that world.Delegates have jobs (and are paid in “Boys State Dollars”), manage a checking account, obtain mortgages for their housing, pay property taxes and utility bills, and obtain licenses and permits. Political platforms are create, criminal offenses are prosecuted, legal battles are fought, and issues of social and political consequence are tackled.
Delegates living in blocks of rooms on each floor of the residence halls are grouped into “cities” of approximately 40 Delegates each (with a total of 32 cities in the program). The 32 cities are arranged into 8 counties, and the 8 counties make up the Buckeye Boys State. Delegates are assigned to one of two political parties, the Nationalists or the Federalists. The platforms and positions of these parties are decided by the members in party conventions, and not by the Boys State Staff. Indeed, from year to year the nature of the platforms for the Nationalist and Federalist vary wildly, and the Delegates drive the entire process.
Nick ran on a platform of unity, campaign finance reform and anti-corruption.
Source: Bowling Green Sentinel Tribune
Working in politics has become second nature for Messenger who will serve as President of Model UN at BGHS next year and has been involved with the Leadership Program through the Chamber of Commerce as well the Bowling Green Human Relations Commission.
“I follow politics kind of religiously, I think it irritates my family and the people around me, but it’s definitely something I want to go into.”
The son of Todd Messenger and Erica Messenger plans to attend college followed by law school and later get involved with politics.
As governor, Messenger plans to promote education, re-evaluate the way the state funds education, bring technological jobs to Ohio, protect jobs and rejuvenate the economy.
He will meet Governor Strickland today and be sworn in by a Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court.
Previous Boys State alumni include Neil Armstrong (1946), first man on the moon
A separate program, Buckeye Girls State 2008, is held June 15 to June 21, 2008.
Did I mention that Nick is my nephew?
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Let’s see, he’ll be 35 in 2025.
No single group of people treated me as badly during my transition as did the conferees of Arkansas Boys State.
Nick is your nephew, Zwoof. Is that right?
Must be in the
jeansgenes. 😉Nick took first place for debate at Boy’s Nation, Chicago, IL in February 2009.
Nick has been accepted to Ohio State University-fall 2009.
Congratulations Grandson