Every June, I return to Missouri for one of my favorite weeks of the year -- Missouri Boys State.

The week-long leadership development experience gives more than 900 high school juniors a great chance to learn about politics and government.

The Boys State citizens give speeches, campaign, and hold elections to eventually form a mock state government.

It sounds crazy.  It is. 

But at the end of the week, the young men develop their public speaking skills and confidence and return to their high schools with a deeper appreciation of public service.

The guys also take courses for college credit through the week, learning about law enforcement, campaigning, law, the legislature, and journalism.

I serve as the Dean of the Journalism School, teaching about libel, slander, and the first amendment to roughly 120 students throughout the week. 

We also produce a nightly radio and TV broadcast and morning newspaper.

I return because of some of my great friends on staff.  This was my 11th year to serve with some of them.

I also return because of young men like Abraham Shaw.  He will start his senior year at McKinley Classical Leadership Academy in St. Louis.

Abraham was chosen as an anchor for Tuesday's TV broadcast.  He seemed a bit quiet behind the scenes, but when he appeared on camera, he had a natural energy I don't see in many television journalists.  I told him.  And I encouraged him to think about a career in our field.

He sent me this note after the session:

"Thank you so much Mr. Flener.  I just want to say it was a pleasure learning from you. You have made me consider a career in journalism."

Abraham, it was a pleasure to teach you.  I hope you continue on that path.