Quinn should revive Boys, Girls State tradition

An editorial from jg-tc.com:

Gov. Pat Quinn has the opportunity next month to resume the tradition of the state’s chief executive making an annual appearance at both the Boys State and Girls State programs.

Boys State and Girls State bring high school juniors from across Illinois to the Eastern Illinois University campus for a week during the summer to learn about government and then set up mock governments at the state and local level.

Boys State and Girls State are sponsored by the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary, which work with high schools to select students and set up the program.

The students develop platforms, argue for their positions and work to persuade others to join them. The students elect their peers to various offices, with a couple of Illinois students being selected to participate in a national program later in the summer.

Both programs are a great opportunity for the students to connect with and experience firsthand the political process, and to do it in a fun format with peers. In some cases, lasting friendships are made.

Another venue to allow our youth some activities outside of school.