Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell to Speak at Boys' State Inauguration

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (May 30, 2002) -- Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell will speak Saturday at Tennessee Tech University during the inauguration ceremony for American Legion Boys' State Governor-elect Collin Bills.

The inauguration will be part of the closing ceremonies of this year's Boys' State. The public is invited to Tennessee Tech's Eblen Center for a band concert at 10:10 a.m. and the ceremony at 10:30 a.m.

In 1999, Bill Purcell became the fifth mayor of Nashville's metropolitan government since its formation in 1963. Mayor Purcell visited each of Nashville's 127 public schools during his first year in office to demonstrate his concern for education.

An attorney by profession, Mayor Purcell entered public service in 1986 when he was elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives. He served as the former House Majority Leader and former Chair of the Select Committee on Children and Youth.

John J. Maddux Jr., chairman of the American Legion Boys' State Board of Directors, will preside over the ceremony. TTU President Bob Bell will also address the more than 620 Boys' State delegates, family, friends, and members of the American Legion.

Bills, a student at Tullahoma High School, was elected governor during the week as delegates formed a mock 51st state and learned about state government by forming political parties and holding elections.

During the week, delegates received instruction from several local attorneys and from state judges, including Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Janice M. Holder, Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Norma M. Ogle, Circuit Judge Don R. Ash, Circuit Judge Robert L. Childers, Chancellor Irvin H. Kilcrease Jr. and Chancellor J. Steven Stafford.

This information posted 30 April 2002