Three OHS juniors have been chosen to participate in Boys State, an eight-day program in June for boys headed into their senior year, hosted by the American Legion. Nick Barry, David Chopin, and Vito Cammarata were nominated to participate and told in April that they were accepted to the program.

“I have friends who have done it,” Cammarata said. “I’m really pumped. I think it’ll be a good experience.”

Students from all over Missouri are invited, and together the students create their own government. They make six municipalities and form a government with a court and lawmakers. Students who are successful can go to nationals, and scholarships are available through the program.

“I’m glad to try to explore it,” Barry said. “I’ve never been away from home that long. It’s exciting.”  Barry is considering politics as a career option, so this week will be a good way for him to figure out if that is a path he would like to pursue.

Barry, Chopin, and Cammarata will each be eligible to receive up to three credit hours from the University of Central Missouri for going to Boys State. They will live in the college dorms at University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg while participating in the program (June 13-20).

“I’ve heard from everyone who’s gone that it’s interesting and fun,” Chopin said. “I’ve heard that it’s good, and I know it looks good on scholarships.”