Local student participates in 75th session of Missouri Boys State

WARRENSBURG, MO- Derrick Joseph Priggel participated in the American Legion Boys State of Missouri June 14 through 21, 2014 on the campus of the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg. Priggel was selected based on his leadership, citizenship, academics and character during his junior year at Portageville High School.

Boys State is a pure democracy in that all citizens may vote and are eligible to hold office. The program is designed to educate and train Missouri's young leaders in functional citizenship, leadership and government. Nearly 1,000 student leaders build an entire state government in a single week.

Priggel's accomplishments, positions held and awards earned at Missouri Boys State include: citizen of Whitfield City, member of the Federalist Party, House of Representatives, Delegate to State Convention, Ward III, 2nd place in the City Athletic Competition, and business owner. Priggel attended Legislative School while participating in Boys State.

Priggel, son of Lynda and Neil Priggel, was sponsored by Noranda Aluminum, Inc. Sponsors afford the opportunity for students to participate in this nationally recognized program and are critical to its continued success. Organizations, businesses and individuals interested in becoming a sponsor are encouraged to contact the Missouri Boys State headquarters at 1-877-342-5627.

The entire Boys State staff is comprised of educational, legal, professional and civic leaders who volunteer their time each year. Missouri Boys State is a 501(c)(3) organization and is a Missouri American Legion program.

Students who will be juniors during the 2014-2015 academic year and are interested in attending should contact their high school counselor or visit the Missouri Boys State website at www.moboysstate.org. The 2015 session will be held June 13 through 20. In-school informational presentations by a Boys State staff member are available by contacting the Missouri Boys State headquarters a 1-877-342-5627 or email bettie.rusher@moboysstate.org.