The fifty-ninth annual session of the NH American Legion Boys State program was held from July 2 to 7, 2006.
Thirty-three high school juniors from New Hampshire high schools convened at Rivier College in Nashua to establish a mythical fifty-first state. The students came from all parts of the state to become more educated in the American way of government, to apply what they learned and to establish friendships that will last well beyond the week of Boys State. The students were assigned to a city or town, to an Executive Council District and to one of two political parties. The town was smaller than the city to simulate actual differences in the respective populations of cities and towns. One-third of the students were assigned as members of the Senate and two-thirds as members of the House of Representatives to simulate the difference in size of those two legislative bodies.
Following instructions by staff and guest speakers, the students established their city and town governments, worked within their political parties, and ultimately established their state government. The delegates established party platforms, campaigned for office through primary and general elections, and exercised the duties of the offices they held.
Highlights of the week include a trip to the New Hampshire State House in Concord, NH and a patriotic celebration at Greeley Park in Nashua, NH on the Fourth of July.
At the end of the program fifteen students earned Political Science credit from Rivier College exemplifying the committment of New Hampshire Boys State to quality education.