On Wednesday, June 28th, 2023, USHCA Chairman & President, Bob Holden, and Program Associate, Ellen Wright, joined guest speakers USHCA Board Member, Yawei Liu, and Director of Next Generation Programs at NCUSCR, Nitai Deitel, in addressing the 2023 Missouri Girls State and Boys State International Affairs Class. Chairman Holden shared these thoughts with the 85 high school students in attendance:
“As we gather here in the spirit of civic engagement and youth leadership, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for this program. I was fortunate enough to have attended Missouri Boys State when I myself was a student, and it was here that the seeds of leadership were sown in me…I hope that you will strive to make your voices heard in the international sphere, because your voices are sorely needed. Youth participation in global citizenship plays a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable, more inclusive world.”
– Governor Bob Holden
The 81st session of the American Legion Missouri Boys State and American Legion Auxiliary Missouri Girls State Conferences was held in St. Charles, Missouri. These conferences teach high school students leadership and the workings of government through the process of setting up and running a fictional state.
Click to read more about the Missouri Boys State and Missouri Girls State programs.