A Lifetime

Sure, it sounds like a cliche, but this week spent at Boys State is truly shaped by the time and effort put into the activities. Not a year goes by when many citizens are overheard heading back from the final general assembly talking about how they wished they had gotten more involved earlier in the week. Our week that shapes a lifetime is fast-paced so there’s no time to waste when getting involved. Below are just some of the activities open to every citizen during Boys State. Check in throughout the week to see how the citizens of Boys State have embraced this special opportunity and gotten involved.

This page is focused on our current session, but if you’d like to review some of our past sessions, you can look here.

It is one thing to be noticed as a good sport, or an example to be modeled after. It is another to be selected by an entire group of peers you’ve met less than a week ago. The Keith Lucas Model Citizen Award is that kind recognition. The citizens of each county select two of their own who they feel exemplifies what it means to them to be a model citizen. The overall winner is given a $2000 scholarship. The 2024 winners of the Keith Lucas Model Citizen Award are:

Eshaam Bhattad of Geiger County from Buffalo Grove, IL
Mitiku Appleby of Kennedy County from Atwood, IL
Roger Zawodniak of Card County from Alton, IL

Premiere Illinois Boys State on the campus of Eastern Illinois University on June 14, 2024.

Over their years of experience, the counseling staff has honed the ability to find the citizens who are just that touch above in a sea of quality individuals. Throughout the week each county’s counseling staff is evaluating and comparing the fine young men assigned to them. Each county staff selects two citizens to compete for the Joseph McCraith Model Citizen Award. The overall winner receives a $2000 scholarship. The 2024 winners of the Joseph McCraith Model Citizen Award are:

Aaron Potts of Conatser County from Hampshire, IL
Jaden Cho of Conatser County from Northbrook, IL
Christopher Burke of Card County from Irvine, CA

Premiere Illinois Boys State on the campus of Eastern Illinois University on June 14, 2024.

The James R. Thompson Medal and $2,000 scholarship was established in 1990 in honor of the 39th Governor of Illinois upon his retirement. It is awarded annually to the Governor of Illinois Boys State. This year’s Governor is Ishaan Bhonagiri of Geiger County from Long Grove, IL.

The Paul Brown State Officer Award is a $2,000 college scholarship award selected by a committee of staff members from among the following elected State officials: Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Comptroller and State Treasurer. Selection is based on observation of the elected officers’ campaign speeches and other campaign activities, as well as an interview process. The 2022 winners of the Paul Brown State Officer Award are:

Eshaam Bhattad of Geiger County from Buffalo Grove, IL
Benjamin Biros of Geiger County from Mazon, IL
Mattson Unienhopp of Card County from Yorkville, IL

Premiere Illinois Boys State on the campus of Eastern Illinois University on June 14, 2024.

Every year we hold an essay contest for a $2000 scholarship. The topic of the essay does change from year to year, but is usually in reference to some portion of the Bill of Rights.  The winners of this year’s essay contest are:

Griffin Leahy of Card County from Bloomington, IL
Delwin Manjali of Kennedy County from Grayslake, IL
Collins Whitfield of Card County from Downers Grove, IL

Premiere Illinois Boys State on the campus of Eastern Illinois University on June 14, 2024.

The John Geiger Leadership Award is a $2,000 college scholarship funded by the American Legion, Department of Illinois, in honor of John H. Geiger, the first Illinois Boys State alum to serve as National Commander of the American Legion. The award winner is selected by a committee of staff members from among the following: Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, President of the Senate, Speaker of the House, Nationalist Party State Chairman, and Federalist Party State Chairman. The winners of the 2024 John Geiger Leadership Award are:

Austin Miller of Card County from Bloomington, IL
Christopher Burke of Card County from Irvine, CA
Cheaun “Chad” Park of Kennedy County from Glenview, IL

Premiere Illinois Boys State on the campus of Eastern Illinois University on June 14, 2024.

Each year, on both the state and national levels there are scholarships available from the Samsung Corporation. To be eligible, the citizen must be a descendant of someone who served during a specified time of war. There are $2000 scholarships awarded at the state level, and larger scholarships awarded at the national level. The 2024 Illinois Boys State Samsung Scholarship winner is:

John “J.T.” Augustyn of Card County from Hinsdale, IL

Premiere Illinois Boys State on the campus of Eastern Illinois University on June 14, 2024.

Each year we hold an speech contest for a $2000 scholarship. The selected topic for the speech contest does shift each year. It always has to do with some portion of Lincoln’s life. The topic this year was a quote by Lincoln, “You can not escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.” From that quote the orators were to show how Lincoln handled responsibility throughout his life. The winners of the 2024 speech contest are:

Eshaam Bhattad of Geiger County from Buffalo Grove, IL
Nicholas Worth of Kennedy County from Tinley Park, IL
Caden Hickey of Kennedy County from Evanston, IL

Premiere Illinois Boys State on the campus of Eastern Illinois University on June 14, 2024.

The Boys State program is a great program where young men can learn a lot about how the state, counties, and local cities operate. There is a companion program, Boys Nation. Each state selects 2 Senators to travel to Washington D.C. to partake in another week long program learning about various aspects of the federal government. Since complications may arise two alternates are also selected in case one of the original Senators can not attend for any reason. The 2024 Boys Nation Senators from Illinois will be announced on Friday:

Ishaan Bhonagiri of Geiger County from Long Grove, IL
Eshaam Bhattad of Geiger County from Buffalo Grove, IL

Premiere Illinois Boys State on the campus of Eastern Illinois University on June 14, 2024.

1st Alternate  Aaron Potts of Conatser County from Hampshire, IL
2nd Alternate  Austin Miller of Card County from Bloomington, IL

Premiere Illinois Boys State on the campus of Eastern Illinois University on June 14, 2024.

At some point throughout the week, you’ll see someone taking pictures of various events.  That’s Gabe Grant, the staff photographer.  He keeps a visual record of what happens during the session.  Sometimes he’s at scheduled events, sometimes it’s some people tossing a frisbee on the quad.  At various times throughout the week this page will be updated in the rolling feed below with a few highlight pictures, however the entire repository can be viewed here.

Basketball

Card         3 – 0

Conatser   2 – 1

Geiger        0 – 3

Kennedy    1 – 2

Kennedy 33 –  Geiger 34  (3rd place)

Conatser 23 – Card 36   (Champion)

Volleyball

Card        2 – 1

Conatser  0 – 3

Geiger       2 – 1

Kennedy   2 – 1

Playoff

Kennedy 2 – Card 0 (3rd Place)

Geiger 0 – Kennedy 2 (Champion)

Quiz Bowl

Card       3 – 0

Conatser  0 – 3

Geiger   1 – 2

Kennedy  2 – 1

Conatser 130- Geiger 195 (3rd Place)

Card 225 (Champion) – Kennedy 95

My experience at Boys State has been nothing short of amazing. These few short days have
taught me so much about government, leadership, public speaking, relationship building, and
many other subjects that will help shape me into a better person. I’ve gained a new appreciation
for the amount of work that is needed to run a city, county, and state government effectively.
Seeing the amount of pride the legionnaires, counselors, and returning alumni have for this
program really inspires me and the majority of my fellow attendees into working hard and
striving for success. The lessons, memories, and friendships I’ve made here are irreplaceable and
I would recommend this experience to anyone who strives to be a better leader, more responsible
voter, and an overall better citizen in their community.

Aric Huettemann, Conatser, Morris, IL

I had little to no idea what I was getting myself into. I figured going to Boys State beat spending a summer week bored out of my mind. I do not regret coming, and it has been super fun. I met a lot of new people, and I wish I had more time to hang out with them. It has been an awesome week, and I will always remember the great moments I had here.

Johnathan McGough, Conatser County, Marissa, IL

Basketball

Card         3 – 0

Conatser   2 – 1

Geiger        0 – 3

Kennedy    1 – 2

Conatser 42 –  Geiger 30

Kennedy 23 – Card 39

Volleyball

Card        2 – 1

Conatser  0 – 3

Geiger       2 – 1

Kennedy   2 – 1

Geiger 2 – Conatser 0

Card 2 – Kennedy 1

Quiz Bowl

Card       3 – 0

Conatser  0 – 3

Geiger   1 – 2

Kennedy  2 – 1

Conatser 130- Geiger 210

Card 225 – Kennedy 220

Basketball

Card         2 – 0

Conatser   1 – 1

Geiger        0 – 2

Kennedy    1 – 1

Conatser 33 –  Kennedy 24

Geiger 35 – Card 42

Volleyball

Card        1 – 1

Conatser  0 – 2

Geiger       1 – 1

Kennedy   2 – 0

Kennedy 2 – Conatser 0

Card 0 – Geiger 2

Quiz Bowl

Card       2 – 0

Conatser  0 – 2

Geiger   0 – 2

Kennedy  2 – 0

Conatser 132 – Kennedy 219

Card 302 – Geiger 123

After a lively first day at Illinois Premier Boys State, an equally lively second day followed. Waking up in their dorm rooms at Eastern Illinois University for the first time, the boys were greeted by a hearty breakfast of french toast, eggs, and sausage patties. As most people had already been introduced to the EIU services the day prior, the morning went off without a hitch. Reports on the city caucuses that occurred the night before were turned in, and seminars regarding the conduction of effective meetings and elections for both the Federalist and Nationalist parties were held.
Pertaining slightly more to the overall theme of Boys State, candidate speeches for city positions were held. One of the many speakers was Joseph (Joey) Frias who ran for alderman in Madden City in Kennedy County. Frias said that speaking was “pretty exhilarating because it was fun to interact with my city for the first time on a big platform.” Frias, who ran for the position of alderman because his father was a former alderman in Chicago, also spoke on what it was like to listen to the other speeches people were giving. “It was interesting, but a little nerve wracking because I was unsure as to how I would compare.” Frias will be running for the position of State Comptroller for the Nationalist party, so make sure to listen out for him in future speeches.
Many people also attended the optional church service where all were welcome that took place at the Newman Center. Among those who attended was Zachery Walker, city representative of Mahoney City in Conatser County and not a typically religious person. Regardless, Walker walked away from the service having learnt a lesson, “The reverend spoke about a section of the bible where Jesus was under doubt or fire from many of his own family. And it was a lesson about how a house divided against itself cannot stand, and I found that very interesting.” Walker said the whole experience helped him gain a better understanding of a religious perspective that he doesn’t usually hear. “Typically I watch secular content that comments on current affairs, but of course, the service was about current affairs from a religious viewpoint and that’s what I’m going to take away the most.” stated Walker after being asked how the service affected his Boys State experience.
Shortly after the church service, the day opened up slightly more with several options becoming available to attendees. The recreation center opened up for anyone that wanted to work out, the militia and color guard started to recruit, the lobbyists met, and intramural sports started to get their teams together. basketball, volleyball, and scholastic bowl teams hosted selections all throughout the campus, and some began to practice their sports together.
To close off the day on a more solemn note, a memorial service was held for past Boys State attendees who gave the final act of devotion. A touching speech was given by Jeffery M. Torgeson, the father of Jacob Nathanial Torgeson, an 18 year old Illinois Boys State alumni who tragically passed away on September 11, 2023 in a car accident. The service also acknowledged and thanked all veterans who have served and their families for what they have sacrificed for our nation.

-Essamuel Kuntz, Conatser County, Rockford, IL

A few days ago, Saturday the 8th of June 2024, the air was buzzing with nervousness, excitement, and intrigue at the Eastern Illinois University campus from the few hundred boys that arrived via bus or car ride to the 87th Annual Illinois Premier Boys State. This event that many of the boys had been hand-picked for by teachers or counselors at their respective schools began with the introduction of the boys to the various amenities and services that the EIU campus provides. As they became acquainted with the services, they also became acquainted with one another. 

For some, though, this introduction was quite a bit more lively than that. Aric Huettemann, a candidate for many different political roles and one of the main drummers for the Boys State Band, arrived on campus and almost immediately started working with the band to create an arrival day concert. Huettmann stated that working with the Boys State Band on the first day of camp was “very fun right off the bat” and that “everyone seemed really excited to play as a band, but also the second music was handed out and the director got up everyone got focused in and played well of the first note.” Huettmann also expressed his pride in the band for how they put together an impressive concert within only a few hours of meeting one another. “It was cool knowing we learnt all that music just an hour prior and were able to put on a concert for all the Boys State citizens.”

Individuals who aren’t in the band also had an exciting first day- take it from Brent Rodrigo, a member of the Media Club and the Scholastic Bowl team for Conatser County. On the first day, Rodrigo arrived quite early in the day. “We had a lot of free time as we arrived at noon and arrivals continued until four. So, we walked around the campus a bit and got acquainted with everything. We played games like pool, football, and ping pong. Around that time I learned that two other IMSA (Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy) classmates [were there], which was cool. After that, I engaged in an eventful game of football with some other students that I had never met before.” Rodrigo said. 

Outside of unscheduled games, there was also an induction ceremony, initial orientation by county counselors and city caucuses, which were essentially meetings that introduced the leaders and explained some rules, and a general assembly, which included the aforementioned band concert.

The overwhelming amount of activity occurring on just the first day might have been, well, overwhelming for some, but quickly that feeling morphed into interest in what was to come. Take it from Darius Jakavickas, a fellow Boys State attendee, who said he felt “anxious in the moment, but I realized the anxiousness was my excitement for the future.” As the day drew on and people began to get to know each other more, the initial trepidation some had for arriving at an unknown place shrank and the boys began to prepare for a week of new experiences.

-Essamuel Kuntz, Conatser County, Rockford, IL

Basketball

Card         1 – 0

Conatser   0 – 1

Geiger        0 – 1

Kennedy    1 – 0

Conatser 28 –   Card 31

Geiger 23 – Kennedy 29

Volleyball

Card        1 – 0

Conatser  0 – 1

Geiger       0 – 1

Kennedy   1 – 0

Card 2 – Conatser 0

Kennedy 2 – Geiger 0

Quiz Bowl

Card       1 – 0

Conatser  0 – 1

Geiger   0 – 1

Kennedy  1 – 0

Card 417  –  Conatser 85

Kennedy 125  –  Geiger 98

Recently, the staff here at Boys State received an email from one of last year’s citizens. Donovan Scott was the 2023 Model Citizen winner and one of the chosen delegates to attend Boys Nation in Washington DC.

I had such a unique and fulfilling experience at Boys State and Boys Nation that I had planned to attend again in 2024 as a member of the volunteer staff. However, I have accepted an appointment to West Point and begin my journey at the United States Military Academy in just a few weeks.

Boys State and Boys Nation had an impact on me and my life that I may not truly yet appreciate. There is no doubt that the privilege of attending both influenced the Illinois Senators and Congressman who nominated me to West Point and West Point’s admissions board who selected me for an appointment. Boys State and Boys Nation has also influenced my chosen major in International Relations and policy making. I hold Boys State in such high regard that I have worked with several underclassmen schoolmates to coordinate through their local American Legion posts to participate in the upcoming Boys State.

Good luck with this year’s Premier Boys State. The work you and all the volunteer Boys State staff does is fundamental to the lives of those who are privileged to attend but also to all of us who benefit from competent, well-intentioned policymakers and functional, well-led government.

Sincerely,
Donovan Scott