For the second consecutive year, Lindenwood University hosted nearly 1,500 high school juniors on campus for the American Legion Boys State of Missouri and the American Legion Auxiliary Missouri Girls State.

Students received first-hand experience working alongside each other during the weeklong event.

Through both Missouri Boys State and Missouri Girls State programming, students, who are referred to as “citizens,” build their own states, learn about governmental structures, vote on important issues, and are elected to political positions.

The partnership with Missouri Boys State and Missouri Girls State aligns with Lindenwood’s five-year strategic plan, which eyes to transform LU and the St. Charles area into a top-notch college town that attracts athletic, civic, and cultural events.

Like Lindenwood, Missouri Boys State and Missouri Girls State prioritize hands-on, merit-based learning through engaging atmospheres.

High-ranking celebrities and political figures made appearances throughout the festivities. Sen. Eric Schmidt (R-MO.), Missouri Secretary of State John Ashcroft, Bob Costas, and Holocaust survivor Herb Kohn were among the many that appeared on campus.

“Missouri Boys State and Missouri Girls State bring some of the best and brightest students from across the state together for an intensive week of leadership training,” Director of Destination Lindenwood Don Rothermich said. “By the end of the week, they are leaving campus more effective communicators, project managers, team players, and most importantly, a strong group of friends that may have never crossed each other’s paths if it wasn’t for the program.

“Lindenwood prides itself on Real Experience and Real Success, and Missouri Boys State and Missouri Girls State perfectly aligns with that.”

Oakland Morrison of Fair Grove R-X High School and Jillian Huelinghoff of Washington High School interviewed and were awarded four years of full tuition to Lindenwood.

Both Missouri Boys State and Missouri Girls State are free for high school juniors through donations from Posts of the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary Units, businesses, and service clubs across Missouri.