Palmetto Boys State
Typically, more than 1,000 rising high school seniors are nominated each year by their high school teachers and counselors to be delegates to Boys State. Those nominated are then interviewed and selected by the local American Legion Post.
The American Legion’s Palmetto Boys State program is a unique way for young men to learn about the American system of government and politics by participating in a mock governmental system.
The program is best described as a “laboratory of government” because during the week each participant (known as a delegate or “citizen”) has the opportunity to run for and be elected to mock offices ranging from city level (e.g. city council, mayor) to state legislative offices (e.g. senate and house of representatives) and constitutional offices (e.g. Lieutenant Governor and Governor).
Being chosen to participate as a delegate to Palmetto Boys State is prestigious because the delegates have long been dubbed “the best and brightest” future leaders of our state. Typically, more than 1,000 rising high school seniors are nominated each year by their high school teachers and counselors to be delegates to Boys State. Those nominated are then interviewed and selected by the local American Legion Post. The program is largely considered as much leadership training as it is an opportunity to learn about and participate in government and politics. In fact, many of our South Carolina’s political, business, and community leaders attended Boys State.
While at Boys State, the delegates become citizens and are divided into “cities” named for state rivers which make up “counties” named for famous South Carolinians. Citizens are also divided into two political parties from which they will campaign and/or elect city, county, and state officers. By doing so, citizens learn about government and politics by participating in the process. They have an opportunity to prepare speeches, compose party platforms, debate current issues, and vote for elected offices.
Cities also compete for ribbons in athletics, spirit, college bowl trivia, and other events. Citizens may also participate in several schools. Palmetto Boys State has a Media School which produces a daily newscast known as WPBS and conducts daily PBS web and social media posts. There is a PBS Law School which teaches the fundamentals of SC Law and gives the participants the opportunity to take the PBS bar exam. There is also a Performing Arts School which encompasses everything from the WPBS newscast mentioned above, to producing live professional level on-stage events and programs. Several other schools offered include the Criminal Justice Academy, Leadership School, School of Finance, college prep, and the Boys State band/choir.
Boys Staters also have the opportunity to hear from some of South Carolina’s top leaders. Speakers from years past include Governor and US Superintendent of Education, the Honorable Dick Riley, former Governor and US Ambassador to the UN, the Honorable Nicki Haley, former State Superintendent of Education, Molly Spearman, current Governor, the Honorable Henry McMaster, Congressmen Lindsey Graham, and Senator Tim Scott, as well as numerous SC state senators and house members.
Palmetto Boys State is a unique and engaging experience which provides SC’s “best and brightest” an opportunity to learn about and participate in a mock governmental process that produces better citizens and leaders at all levels of our society.
Notable alumni of PBS include former SC Governor & Secretary of Education under the Clinton Administration, Dick Riley; US Senator Tim Scott; NBC Today Show Host, Craig Melvin; Former NFL player, Vonnie Holiday; Senior writer for ESPN The Magazine and TV Producer, Ryan McGee.
