Arkansas Boys State to host virtual event with Gov. Hutchinson on Oct. 29

by Talk Business & Politics staff ([email protected]) 495 views 

Gov. Asa Hutchinson will speak in a virtual town hall on Thursday, Oct. 29 to Arkansas Boys State leaders. The free live-stream event will begin at 4 p.m. and is open to the public and media.

Hutchinson will discuss his perspectives on public service, leadership and Arkansas’ future. The forum will be moderated by Talk Business & Politics’ Roby Brock. Hutchinson will also take questions from the live chat from those in attendance.

The in-person week-long summer program for Arkansas Boys State was postponed this year due to COVID-19. ABS is an immersive program in civics education program designed for male high school juniors and includes notable alumni such as former President Bill Clinton, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, and Sen. Tom Cotton.

“Our program has long emphasized the importance of public service, and that emphasis seems especially important right now with upcoming local, state, and national elections and COVID-19 still impacting our communities,” said Lloyd Jackson, executive director of Arkansas Boys State.

“We are eager to hear Gov. Hutchinson’s perspectives on these topics, given his long career in public service, and we look forward to engaging the students, educators, program staff and alumni, and friends who join us for this timely conversation,” he added.

The COVID-19 pandemic cancelled what would have been Arkansas Boys State’s 80th session. The cancelation is only the second time in the program’s history, the other being during World War II.

Following the virtual town hall, the students will spend an hour in virtual small-group leadership discussions with Arkansas Boys State staff where they will discuss their role as the next generation of public servants in our state and nation.

To register for the event and to learn more about Arkansas Boys State, visit www.arboysstate.org.