The Montpelier Rotary hosted Kevin Motter, Montpelier American Legion Post #109 Commander, at the Club’s regular meeting on Monday, February 11. Cmdr. Motter spoke on the history of Buckeye Boys State and Buckeye Girls State which have been a tradition in Ohio since 1936 and 1947 respectively. Cmdr. Motter stated that while he had two participants funded for Girls State in 2013 he was working on funding for the two participants for Boys State. Chuck Moore, Montpelier Rotary President announced that the Club would donate $200.00 toward EACH of those two Boys State slots for 2013.
Cmdr. Motter described Buckeye Boys State and Buckeye Girls State as a summer leadership and citizenship training program for high school juniors and seniors. Selection is made in coordination with the School and American Legion. Students come from all over the state and participate in mock elections for local, county and state officials who then perform the “duties” of their office according to that year’s program. Several scholarships and additional awards are available to both Boys and Girls State participants, but Cmdr. Motter described the most important part of the program is in training the future leaders of our community, county, state and nation. Hopefully, according to Cmdr. Motter, these youth will eventually get involved in the working of our nation and make a positive impact for our community and values.
Cmdr. Motter was the guest of Chuck Moore. Montpelier Rotary Club is proud to be a regular sponsor of Buckeye Boys and Buckeye Girls State, depending on that year’s need.