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From the Governor's Communication Office
Toledo Blade...
Kasich speaks
to Buckeye Boys State
Kasich tells Boys State crowd relationship to Lord is primary
By Tom Troy
BOWLING GREEN — Gov. John Kasich urged youth to follow their dreams,
take courses in college that advance their career goals, have a
relationship with the creator of the universe, and help other people
along the way, in an address at Buckeye Boys State Friday.
The speech, a tradition for all but one of Boys State’s 76 years,
almost didn’t happen, because of a conflict with the wrapping up of the
state legislature, Mr. Kasich said.
“I thought we were signing the budget bill today. It turned out we got
it done yesterday,” he said.
Mr. Kasich, speaking at Bowling Green State University to an outdoor
assembly of about 1,200 boys who just completed their junior year of
high school, gave a loosely organized talk of about 20 minutes.
“The most important thing I have found is a relationship and friendship
with the Lord,” said Mr. Kasich. “It’s worth trying to get that
connection with the most powerful force in the universe, to work with
you to give the power to do a lot of good things.”
He told the students he lost his parents to an accident with a drunk
driver in 1987, and the experience pushed him to confront his beliefs
about God. He said his decision to have faith has given him a feeling
that his purpose in life is God-given.
Gov. John Kasich addresses participants in the annual Buckeye Boys
state at Bowling Green State University. He urged them Friday to pay
attention to classmates who may not be the most popular students.
Buckeye Boys State is a week-long program organized every year by the
American Legion. Local American Legion posts pay for the camp for boys
who have been selected by their high schools, which include students
from public, private, home, and on-line schools.
Boys play parts in city, county, and state government activities in the
camp.
They run for governor and lieutenant governor, attorney general,
auditor, treasurer, secretary of state, and Supreme Court justice,
under one of two parties — Nationalist and Federalist.
Other boys are appointed to positions in the legislature, in county
government, and other positions, which include running a daily
newspaper.
A similar event for girls is handled by the women’s auxiliary of the
American Legion. After his Bowling Green stop, Governor Kasich headed
to address that group, at the University of Mount Union in Alliance.
He told the boys they all were obviously good students to have been
selected for Boys State and likely had some leadership qualities, and
said they should not neglect academics, they should follow their
dreams, and they should make friends who will support them in their
goals.
“You don’t want to be hanging around dream snatchers,” Mr. Kasich said.
He also urged them to take college courses that will allow them to be
successful, mentioning finance, engineering, and medicine. He said that
even if they plan a future in politics they shouldn’t think that the
only route is to major in political science.
Mr. Kasich said he was troubled by a trend of people looking out only
for themselves. He pointed out that many of the students present may be
the most popular kids in their schools.
“Are you talking to the least popular kids? Pay attention to the ones
that are ignored,” he said…
Read the rest of this article at the Toledo Blade
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