Boys to Men Club Tour State Government

On May 9th, twenty 5th grade boys from the “Boys to Men” Club at Edmunds and Monroe toured the State Capitol and the Iowa Supreme Court building. The boys were impressed with the grandeur of the buildings as they learned about Iowa history history and the three branches of government. Together they read the story behind the sculpture “Shattering Silence” at the Supreme Court complex, commemorating the 1839 court ruling that prohibited slave Ralph Montgomery from being extradited back to slavery. While at the State Capital the students also met with State Senator Rita Hart, who answered questions for the boys about life in the Senate, and what it is like being a state senator.

The 5th grade Boys to Men clubs at Edmunds and Monroe elementary schools are headed up by facilitator John Hawkins. Boys at both schools meet weekly, learning about leadership and personal responsibility, stressing both personal effort and teamwork. Along with the State Capitol and Iowa Supreme Court building tours, activities this year have included volunteering at Meals for the Heartland, attending a Barnstormers football game, participating in games of skill, memorizing the Boys to Men leadership alphabet and even learning how to tie a tie.