Four Oxford High School students are spending part of their summer vacation exploring what it’s like to be the public officials who govern us and make laws.
Dasanae Davis and Eva Lisowski, who will be seniors in the fall, are currently attending the Michigan American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program being held through June 20 on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing.
David Staser and Nickolas Hershman, who will be seniors this fall, are currently attending the Michigan American Legion Boys State program being held through June 20 on the campus of Northwood University in Midland.
They’re joined by hundreds of other young men and women from around the state who are receiving hands-on training in government.
Both Girls State and Boys State operate as real-life simulations in which participants serve as public officials in mock local and state governments of their own creation.
Students learn the duties and functions, as well as the powers and limitations, of various public offices in the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government.
During the week-long program, students take part in a variety of activities including campaigning for office, voting for candidates, enacting laws, formulating public policy, participating in conventions for fictional political parties, learning parliamentary procedure, engaging in problem-solving and practicing the fine art of compromise.
Participation in these summer programs was made possible by the donations of local sponsors including the Rotary Club of Oxford, Oxford Women’s Club, American Legion Post 108, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 108 and AMVETS Post 108.