A group of 700 rising seniors from high schools across the state came to Anderson University to learn lifelong lessons about leadership and government, make connections and then go back to impact their communities.
This year’s Palmetto Boys State took place June 12-18. The week-long leadership program involves a group of the most promising high school leaders from across South Carolina. They are selected to be part of a camp begun by the American Legion more than 80 years ago. Anderson has hosted thousands of Boys State students on its campus since 2011.
Palmetto Boys State was created to help develop future leaders for South Carolina. Palmetto Boys State participants are nominated by their schools and selected by local American Legion chapters to participate in “mock” government, running for office, drafting legislation and actually presenting that legislation to leadership in Columbia.
Famous Boys State alumni include South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, former professional basketball player Michael Jordan, singer-songwriter and philanthropist Jon Bon Jovi, network television journalist and author Tom Brokaw and Alabama football coach Nick Saban.
On Friday, June 17, the Boys State participants and counselors boarded 22 chartered buses escorted by the South Carolina Highway Patrol to Columbia where they joined Palmetto Girls State participants for a parade and an Inauguration Ceremony with South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster and other dignitaries.
On the morning of Saturday, June 18, Palmetto Boys State concluded with a graduation ceremony.
Anderson University is privileged to serve as the host site for the annual Palmetto Boys State Encampment. In recognition of this special partnership, Anderson University makes one award per year to a Palmetto Boys State Citizen. Details can be found online.