STEVE BOWMAN

May I extend my warmest greetings to those of you reading this page.  My name is Steve Bowman and I was appointed in June of 2007 to be the executive director of the American Legion Hoosier Boys State Program.  My goal, our goal, is to ensure that the educational experience at Hoosier Boys State is meaningful and rewarding to every student attending our program.  To assist us in meeting that goal, we work, each year, with the administration and support staff of Indiana State University and the eleven HBS district enrollment chairmen of the Americian Legion to secure a staff of dedicated professionals.  The Americanism Programs Coordinator, Susan Long, and the staff of the legion's Department of Indiana, will also join us to ensure that the week of June 13 through June 20, 2009, will be, truly, a "Week to shape a lifetime".        Together we provide a well organized, educational, and safe program.  Our HBS staff, our administrative team, counselors, assistant deans, military representatives and special school instructors will attend to the educational program and supervisory needs throughout the week.  Additionally, officers of the Indiana State Police Department are represented everyday; and their instruction, exhibits, and demonstrations are outstanding.        Volunteer veterans, community businesses, and other American Legion members perform beyond the call of duty to pay the fees for each qualified student who will attend Hoosier Boys State.  They offer, across the state, a number of orientation programs so that the young men who are chosen as delegates and alternates and their parents may become more familiar with our program and plan accordingly prior to June.  Please select the Orientations button on the menu bar of this website for meeting dates, times, and locations.          As a delegate to the Hoosier Boys State program, your part is quite simple.  On June 13, 2009, you arrive at Indiana State University at or shortly after 10:00 a.m. to begin a week of activities focused on exploring and learning about Indiana's political and governing processes.  The key is PATICIPATION.  As the week progresses your lives will be enriched with new knowledge and experiences.  You will meet new people, and will develop friendships that last a lifetime.  For over 70 years the tradition of Hoosier Boys State has transcended political and geographical boundaries.  Our staff members demonstrate, daily, a willingness to share their political knowledge and life experiences with our HBS delegates.  I encourage you to seek them out and listen carefully to what they say.        The week belongs to you, and it can truly be "A WEEK TO SHAPE A LIFETIME" if you are willing to PARTICIPATE.  Remember, GET INVOLVED from day one and stay involved throughout the week.        Finally, I strongly encourage you all, students and parents alike, when you return home, to seek out the volunteers, the community sponsors, the American Legion members, and THANK THEM for making this program possible.   Sincerely,        /s/   Steven M. Bowman - Director