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Read some of the many letters we have received from past Missouri
Boys State citizens and their parents, or submit
your own.
"Boys State was the most fun I have ever had at a camp.
Not to say that church camp and scout camp is not fun, it is
just that I have never met so many new people, learned how the
Senate works first hand, and worked together with people that
I didn't know at all. Boys State was a very positive experience
for me and I hope to be on Boys State staff in the future!"
- Daniel Williams, Smithville, MO
(Citizen - 2005)
"Rarely have I experienced the mental attrition associated
with lacking words to in writing or verbally express my sentiments.
However, having recently returned from the "Week to Shape
a Lifetime," I have been unable to convey the transformational
nature of the program. This program should be commended for its
emphasis on consecrating lifelong relationships, citizenship,
and participation. Missouri Boys State will undoubtedly remain
a highlight in my personal and professional life, and maintain
a reference point for my future public servitude."
- Corey Scott Dutra, Purdy, MO
(Citizen - 2005)
" When they say "The week to shape
a lifetime", they
definitely mean it. The true pleasure of attending Boys State
wasn't just the knowledge I attained about the democratic philosophies
of this nation, but also the friendships formed with young men
from all over this great state. In one week I made friendships
sure to last a life time. I learned about the morals and viewpoints
of others, and my very own morals and viewpoints as well."
- Tanner Boyd, St. Charles, MO
(Citizen - 2005)
"Boys State was one of the greatest times of my life. I
experienced guys from all walks of life. I go to a school that
is preschool through 12th grade, and there are about 230 people
in our whole school. I met people who have two or three times that
in their class. I made many friends that I will stay in touch with
for a very long time."
- Zack Craft, Ludlow, MO
(Citizen - 2004)
"On the first day I kept hearing that MBS, was a 'Week
to shape a lifetime.' It was exactly that and beyond. I would
like to thank the staff and counselors for their hard work and
dedication to the program. MBS brought out the best in me, and
it was great meeting people who had their priorities straight.
I made several best friends throughout the week. I was the Colonel
of MBS Highway Patrol at MBS. It was a great experience and
I would go back in an instant. The schools of instruction, speakers,
and other events were great. Thanks again.
Blair City 2004 Rocks!"
- Bradley O. Bailey, Kansas City, MO
(Citizen - 2004)
"Thanks to everyone at Missouri Boys State for taking good
care of my son, Sylvester L. Holmes II. He told me he had a
wonderful time filled with magnificent and great experiences
each moment of each day. Syl II said he learned a lot and treasures
all of his new friendships. At first Syl didn't want to attend
but did so with the encouragement of his parents. On Sat., the
last day, our son was probably one of the last young men to
leave because he didn't want to leave his new friends. At the
closing ceremonies all parents attending got a chance to see
how every young man who participated was made to feel special
and important. We observed how each young man left Boys State
with a spirit of love, confidence, respect and understanding
for all human lives and a responsibility to better serve their
communities. As a parent it was a comfort to me to be able to
communicate with my son by email sometimes just to say hello.
My son enjoyed the guest speakers and thought Attorney General
Jay Nixon was 'so cool and real'. Thanks again to Mr. Neger
and the Grandview American Legion Post for sponsoring Sylvester
and all American Legionaires, leaders, counselors, cafeteria
staff and to CMSU for supporting such a great program. THANKS!
THANKS! THANKS!"
- Tonya D. Holmes
parent of Sylvester L. Holmes II, Kansas City, MO
(Citizen - 2004)
"My name is Darryl Kemp and I was a citizen of Weyer City
in the 65th Session of Missouri Boys State. Words honestly can’t
explain what I feel about the program, but I shall try anyway.
I arrived at the program with everyone else, but was so scared
to open up and talk to anyone. I spent the first two days questioning
whether I should stay or leave. By Thursday, I was dreading Saturday
because I knew that I had to leave the greatest thing I had ever
participated in. Boys State gave me confidence, strength, and
a passion for life in general. My experience completely turned
my life around and I can’t thank you enough for what you
have given me. I feel that I could never pay back the debt that
I feel I owe to the program, and would consider it a privilege
and honor to come back and return as a counselor. Boys State has
opened my eyes to myself and the world and I sincerely thank you
for allowing me to participate in such a wonderful program. It
truly is 'A Week to Shape a Lifetime.'"
- Darryl Kemp, Wellsville, MO
(Citizen - 2004)
"I would like to thank the American Legion
in all that they do and letting me have a wonderful experience
at the 2003 Session of Boys State. Mike Stewart and the rest
of the staff are really wonderful people that are dedicated.
I would love to give back in later years to Boys State as an
Assistant City Counselor. I'm truly sad to know that Mike Stewart
will no longer be there. I wish him the best in all that he
does. To future Boys Staters I wish the best of luck and be
involved as much as you can or you will not have fun."
- Chris Richey, La Monte, MO
(Citizen - 2003)
"I wanted to thank you for giving me the
opportunity to attend the 2002 session of Missouri Boys State.
It was truly an honor to be selected along with the other 940
boys to be a part of such and exceptional leadership learning
experience.
I learned some valuable lessons at Boys State,
but perhaps the most valuable thing I found at Boys State was
my interest in Law. When I went to Boys State I had thought that
I might want to go to the Law School and once I got there I was
surprised at how much I enjoyed it. Those seven days have sparked
my interest in Law and I am now seriously considering going into
Law as a career.
Again, thank you for the opportunity you gave
me, it really was "A Week to Shape a Lifetime" and was
an experience that I will remember for a very long time."
Sincerely,
Joseph Leavens, Kirksville, MO
(Citizen - 2002)
"Recently our son attended Missouri Boys
State. On June 22nd he was home three hours, before leaving for
a 4-H trip to Washington D.C. I was afraid after that trip, we
wouldn't hear much about Boys State. I was wrong. Washington D.C.
was an exciting trip for him, but Boys State was a wonderful experience,
too.
Thank you. I can tell by what Justin has told us so far, that
a lot of people put a lot of work into this program to make it
such a success. I know things just don't happen. Someone has to
work to make it happen.
I understand Missouri Boys State ranks at the
top of the Nation. I can understand why.
Thank you again for such a positive experience
for our son, Justin."
- Gary & Anita McAllister
parent of Justin McAllister, Jacksonville, MO
(Citizen - 2002)
"I believe that this is probably the best
leadership experience that anyone in this world could offer. Words
can't explain the effort that must be put towards this program.
This experience has prepared me for the world and the future."
- Brandon Mayberry, Kansas City, MO
(Citizen - 1999)
"This experience should really help me set
goals for my life. I will never forget this week…it was a
great adventure into life."
- Darron Morgan, St. Louis, MO
(Citizen - 1999)
"My time as a citizen at Missouri Boys State
taught me so much more than politics or governmental process.
I learned that one person can make a difference, provided that
one person actually participates in the process. I learned that
I do have it in me to make a difference, and every day since
I left Boys State, I have kept that all-important motto in my
head... "If
it is to be, it is up to me." During my nine years as a
staff member, I have had no greater reward than watching each
year's citizenry walk away from the program convinced of the
same message."
- Jason Lewton, Raytown, MO
(Citizen - 1993)
"I did not realize the concepts that I learned
back in Boys State were important until I actually was faced
with my name on the ballot. The one concept I brought home from
our Boys State election and participating in a Gubernatorial
Debate was that elected officials are and should be stewards
of the people. Without that experience, I would never had pursued
the opportunity to be an elected official and put those concepts
into action. Thank you American Legion."
- Bob Hughs, St. Joseph
(Citizen - 1992)
"It is hard to believe that it has been
31 years since I was a citizen at MBS. I remember the many activities
I participated in, including running/campaigning for the Senate
and singing in the MBS choir. I also remember the excitement
I felt when we WON model city! I just happened to find this link
and was glad to see that MBS is still in existence. I hope it
continues to thrive and provide an opportunity for young men
throughout the state."
- Rod Crain, Chillicothe
(Citizen - 1974)
"For the past 18 years I have been the Monday
night speaker at Minnesota Boys State on the topic of Democracy,
Participation and Minnesota Politics." and then I still
wear my Missouri Boys State pin when I speak at Minnesota Boys
State. At Missouri Boys state I recall being
overwhelmed the first couple of days. I didn't get elected to
much because I didn't catch on right away. I advise Boys Staters
today to get a move on and declare their candidacies quickly.
Political success involves good timing, at Boy's State and in
the real world. Thanks to all the counselors, staff and volunteers."
The lead in could still be, "Thanks to Missouri Boys State
for your motivation and encouragement to be an active citizen
and community leader."
- Joe Kunkel, St. Louis, MO
(Citizen - 1967)
"The experience was important to me. It
gave me confidence to run for school president, and was elected
in 1940, my senior year. Interestingly, one of my rivals for overall
recognition in high school was William H. Webster, "Judge"
Webster, who went on to become a Federal judge, and head both
the CIA and FBI. He wrote in my class yearbook, "You will
get to the Senate before I will." He got closer to it than
I."
- Stephen T. Boggs, Webster Groves, MO
(MBS Governor - 1939)
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