John Bapst Head Mel MacKay has announced the names of this year’s delegates to Dirigo Boys and Girls State. D.J. Brooks (Clifton) was selected to attend Boys State, hosted by the American Legion at Thomas College in Waterville. Selected to attend Girls State, hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary at Husson University in Bangor, are Jill Burke (Holden), Kendra Kelly (Glenburn), Casey McGuire (Hampden), Alyssa Munroe (Holden), Ashton Ortiz (Orrington), and Stephanie Parent (Orrington) will be attending Girls State. Both events begin June 17, 2012.
Social Sciences teacher Jason O’Reilly, who coordinates the Dirigo Boys and Girls State programs at John Bapst, recently explained, “The Boys and Girls State programs offer our students the opportunity to broaden their understanding of the functions of government and the duties and privileges of citizenship with other like-minded juniors from across the state. The week-long mock government experience further enhances the school’s mission to foster a sense of respect for learning, for themselves, and for others.”
Dirigo Boys and Girls State provide Maine high school juniors with the opportunity to supplement their high school courses by participating in a program that immerses them in a study of government and its functions. In the program, students role-play as they learn to campaign for local, county, and state offices and then organize and execute the functions of the local and state governments.
Candidates at John Bapst must submit a written essay for consideration and be selected by the faculty. Sponsors of Boys and Girls State delegates this year include the Rotary Club of Bangor, Friends of John Bapst Football, the Key Club, and faculty and staff of John Bapst.