Experiences to Last

a Lifetime

This Week is What You Make It

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.

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 one 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 2022 winners of the Keith Lucas Model Citizen Award are:

1. Donovan Scott of Geiger-Gleason County, from Springfield, IL
2. Jackson Dunn of Stelle-Keller County from Plainfield, IL
3. Caleb Kim of Savage-Kennedy County from Roselle, IL

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:

1. Sam Maue of Geiger-Gleason County, from Union, IL
2. Jason Prowant of Stelle-Keller County, from Lanark, IL
3. George Werderich of Conatser-Hayes County, from Yorkville, IL

Each year we hold an oration contest for a $2000 scholarship. The selected topic for the oration 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 2022 oration contest are:

1. Marcus Ray of Savage-Kennedy County, from Union, IL
2. Sam Maue of Geiger-Gleason County, from Homer Glen, IL
3. Ethan Olvera of Savage-Kennedy County, from Elgin, IL

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 a single citizen to compete for the Joseph McCraith Model Citizen Award. The overall winner receives a $2000 scholarship. The 2022 winners of the Joseph McCraith Model Citizen Award are:

1. Billy Kenny of Savage-Kennedy County, from Elmhurst, IL
2. Patrick Weaver of Savage-Kennedy Country, from Cary, IL
3. Efe Yardimci of Conatser-Hayes County, from Lake Forest, IL

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 Statealum 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 2022 John Geiger Leadership Award are:

1. Animesh Bijawat of Stelle-Keller County, from Hawthorn Woods, IL
2. Jackson Dunn of Stelle-Keller County, from Plainfield, IL
3. Tyler Boecker of Geiger-Gleason County, from Aurora, IL

Throughout the week, you’ve heard of the Model County points, and seen the flags handed out during the assemblies. All of those points do culminate in the final awarding of the Model County flags at the final assembly. The Model County winner for 2022 is:

1. Savage-Kennedy

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 Harlan Warnsman of Savage-Kennedy County from Glenview, 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:

1. Patrick Weaver of Savage-Kennedy County, from Cary, IL
2. Caleb Kim of Savage-Kennedy County, from Roselle, IL
3. Alexander Baldwin of Savage-Kennedy County, from Waterloo, IL

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 2022 Illinois Boys State Samsung Scholarship winner is:

Corbin Sturgill of Conatser-Hayes County, from Aledo, IL

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 2022 Boys Nation Senators from Illinois will be announced on Friday:

1. Donovan Scott of Geiger-Gleason County, from Springfield, IL
2. Patrick Weaver of Savage-Kennedy County, from Cary, IL

1st Alternate  Billy Kenny of Savage-Kennedy County, from Elmhurst, IL
2nd Alternate  Animesh Bijawat of Stelle-Keller County, from Hawthorn Woods, IL

2023 Photo Journal

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.

Daily Schedule

2023 Sports Standings

Basketball Standings                             Volleyball Standings                      Scholastic Bowl Standings

Stell-Kell   3-0                                         Con-Hay   3-0                                 Con-Hay  2-0

Ken-Sav     2-1                                        Stell-Kell  2-1                                  Stell-Kell  1-1

Con-Hay    1-2                                        Gle-Geig   0-3                                 Ken-Sav   0-2

Gle-Geig     0-3                                       Ken-Sav   1-2                                  Gle-Geig    1-1

Monday Results

Ken-Sav  36   Con-Hay  25                  Con-Hay  2   Ken-Sav  0               Con-Hay   161   Ken-Sav  89

Stell-Kell  22  Gel-Geig  13                  Stell-Kel   2   Gle-Geig  1               Stell-Kell  109  Gle-Geig  62

Tuesday Results

Stell-Kell  35   Con-Hay  29                Con-Hay  2   Stell-Kell  0               Con-Hay   189  Stell-Kell  76

Ken-Sav  39   Gle-Geig  14                  Ken-Sav  2   Gle-Geig  1                Gle-Geig   117   Ken-Sav  77

Wednesday Results

Stell-Kell  36   Ken-Sav  25                 Stell-Kell  2   Ken-Sav  0                 Ken-Sav  75   Stell-Kell   25

Con-Hay  36   Gle-Geig  28                 Con-Hay  2   Gle-Geig  0               Con-Hay  180  Gle-Geig  45

 

Playoff/Championship not needed    Championship

Con-Hay   2   Stell-Kell 0

2023 State General Election Results

2023 State Primary Election Results  –  Federalist

2023 State Primary Election Results  –  Nationalist

Photo Journal –  Tuesday

2023 ALIPBS Monday BSNN

2023 County Election Results

Photo Journal –  Monday

2023 City Election Results

2023 Sunday Band Concert

Photo Journal –  Sunday

2023 ALIPBS Saturday Assembly

2023 ALIPBS Saturday Band Concert

Photo Journal –  Saturday

2022 Experiences

2022 Friday Assembly

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 one 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 2022 winners of the Keith Lucas Model Citizen Award are:

1. Ryder Becker of Savage-Kennedy County, from Bartonville, IL
2. John Chambers of Geiger-Gleason County, from Hawthorn Woods, IL
3. Julian Hernandez of Stelle-Keller County, from Chicago, IL

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:

1. Jack Fostiak of Savage-Kennedy County, from Wauconda, IL
2. John Chambers of Geiger-Gleason County, from Hawthorn Woods, IL
3. Jayce Meier of Savage-Kennedy County, from Ashkum, IL

Each year we hold an oration contest for a $2000 scholarship. The selected topic for the oration 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 2022 oration contest are:

1. Thomas Foley of Geiger-Gleason County, from Lake Forest, IL
2. Harlan Warnsman of Savage-Kennedy County, from Glenview, IL
3. Calvin Franke of Conatser-Hayes County, from Palatine, IL

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 a single citizen to compete for the Joseph McCraith Model Citizen Award. The overall winner receives a $2000 scholarship. The 2022 winners of the Joseph McCraith Model Citizen Award are:

1. Brady Moore of Geiger-Gleason County, from Lovington, IL
2. Harlan Warnsman of Savage-Kennedy County, from Glenview, IL
3. Luc Garrett of Conatser-Hayes County, from Chicago, IL

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 Statealum 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 2022 John Geiger Leadership Award are:

1. Andrew Hemming of Conatser-Hayes County, from Champaign, IL
2. Thomas McComb of Savage-Kennedy County, from Sycamore, IL
3. Zachary Geller of Stelle-Keller County, from Waterloo, IL

Throughout the week, you’ve heard of the Model County points, and seen the flags handed out during the assemblies. All of those points do culminate in the final awarding of the Model County flags at the final assembly. The Model County winner for 2022 is:

1. Savage-Kennedy

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 Harlan Warnsman of Savage-Kennedy County from Glenview, 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:

1. Julian Hernandez from Stelle-Keller, from Chicago, IL
2. Samuel Verrill of Savage-Kennedy County, from Bourbonnais, IL
3. Dalton Leezer of Savage-Kennedy County, from Canton, IL

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 2022 Illinois Boys State Samsung Scholarship winner is:

Jonas Porsche of Savage-Kennedy County, from Galva, Illinois

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 2022 Boys Nation Senators from Illinois will be announced on Friday:

1. Julian Hernandez of Stelle-Keller County, from Chicago, IL
2. Ryder Becker of Savage-Kennedy County, from Bartonville, IL

1st Alternate  Brady Moore of Geiger-Gleason County, from Lovington, IL
2nd Alternate  Harlan Warnsman of Savage-Kennedy County, from Glenview, IL

2022 Thursday Retreat

2022 Thursday Band Concert

2022 Thursday BSNN

2022 Thursday Assembly

2022 State General Elections

2022 Wednesday BSNN

2022 Wednesday Band Concert

2022 Wednesday Assembly

2022 State Primary Elections

Photo Journal –  Tuesday

2022 Tuesday BSNN

Photo Journal –  Monday

2022 Monday Band Concert

2022 Monday BSNN

2022 Monday Assembly

2022 County Elections

Photo Journal –  Sunday

2022 Memorial Service

2022 City Elections

Photo Journal – Saturday and Early Sunday

2022 Saturday Assembly

2019 Experiences

Citizen Awards

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 one 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 2019 winners of the Keith Lucas Model Citizen Award are:

1. Garrett Forrest of Gleason County, from Mackinaw, IL
2. Rushil Vellala of Hayes County, from Naperville, IL
3. Aditya Prathap of Geiger County, from Palatine, IL

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. This year’s topic revolved around the past, present, and future interpretations of the 2nd Amendment. The winners of this year’s essay contest are:

1. Devin O’Toole of Kennedy County, from Batavia, IL
2. Adam He of Savage County, from Rockton, IL
3. Emilio Ortega of Kennedy County, from Northlake, IL

Each year we hold an oration contest for a $2000 scholarship. The selected topic for the oration 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 2019 oration contest are:

1.  Arya Nalluri of Keller County, from Naperville, IL
2.  Maxwell Juhas of Keller County, from Millstadt, IL
3.  Mudasser Qureshi of Savage County, from Waukegan, IL

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 a single citizen to compete for the Joseph McCraith Model Citizen Award. The overall winner receives a $2000 scholarship. The 2019 winners of the Joseph McCraith Model Citizen Award are:

1. Christian Voelker of Savage County, from Libertyville, IL
2. Nathan Salahi of Hayes County, from Winfield, IL
3. Christopher Cinkus of Conatser County, from Stickner, IL

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 Statealum 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 2019 John Geiger Leadership Award are:

1. Samuel Shin of Hayes County, from Northbrook, IL
2. Arya Nalluri of Keller County, from Naperville, IL
3. Samuel Rosenkrantz of Kennedy County, from Millstadt, IL

Throughout the week, you’ve heard of the Model County points, and seen the flags handed out during the assemblies. All of those points do culminate in the final awarding of the Model County flags at the final assembly. The Model County winners for 2019 are:

1. Savage County
2. Kennedy County
3. Keller County

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: Joseph Alongi of Savage County, from Durand, 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 2019 winners of the Paul Brown State Officer Award are:

1. Jamar McCall of Savage County, from Peoria, IL
2. Joshua Pura of Keller County, from Naperville, IL
3. Nathaniel Gibbs of Stelle County, from Bolingbrook, IL

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 2019 Illinois Boys State Samsung Scholarship winner is:

Benjamin Schneider of Hayes County from Algonquin, IL.

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 2019 Boys Nation Senators from Illinois are:

1. Arya Nalluri of Keller County, from Naperville, IL
2. Samuel Shin of Hayes County, from Northbrook, IL

1st Alternate Christian Voelker of Savage County, from Libertyville, IL
2nd Alternate Garrett Forrest of Gleason County, from Mackinaw, IL

Citizen Thoughts

Boys State Media Blog  –

The full list of blog posts for the week can be found here

Citizens Campaign for State Offices at Party Conventions
By: Willie Cui

Tuesday night, the Federalist and Nationalist parties of the Illinois Premier Boys State held their nominating conventions for their candidates running for state offices.

After several grueling hours of listening to 130 candidates deliver their speeches, the Boys State citizens returned to their dorms to reflect on which candidates they would vote for in Wednesday’s primary election.

Now, after all the ballots have been tallied, the Election Commision published the election results on the Illinois Premier Boys State’s website.

For the Federalist party, Liam Mitchell of Keller County, who delivered a stunning and rapidfire one-man skit depicting the Avengers Tuesday night, was nominated as the Federalist candidate for Governor of Boys State, receiving 31.21% of the vote.

For the Nationalist party, Joseph Alongi of Savage County, who is currently serving as a Supreme Court Justice, was nominated as the Nationalist candidate for Governor, receiving 17.75% of the vote.

Samuel Rosenkranz of Kennedy County, was nominated as Federalist candidate for Lieutenant Governor, receiving 36.36% of the vote and Luke Prairie, also of Kennedy County, was nominated as the Nationalist candidate for Lieutenant Governor, receiving 29.14% of the vote.

For Secretary of State, Nathaniel Gibbs, who gave a thundering yet humorous speech, was nominated as the Federalist candidate and Rutvik Sayankar, currently a State Senator for Gleason County, was nominated as the Nationalist candidate, receiving 26.70% and 18.75% of the vote respectively.

For Attorney General, the Federalist party nominated Josh Sloan, the current State’s Attorney for Savage County, to be their candidate with 20.34% of the vote.

The Nationalist party nominated Sean Trainor of Savage County, who rode onstage with a toy horse to give his speech, as their candidate for Attorney General, receiving 33.14% of the vote.

Jamar McCall of Savage County, whose mother told the audience via phone call to vote for him, was nominated the Federalist candidate for Comptroller, receiving 23.30% of the vote.

Leo Brigham, the current Sheriff of Kennedy County, was nominated as the Nationalist candidate for Comptroller, receiving 37.43% of the vote.

Federalist David Sun of Gleason County and Nationalist Joshua Pura of Keller County were nominated to be their parties’ candidates for State Treasurer, receiving 33.53% and 56.25% respectively.

2019 State Election Recap
By: Edgar McClintock–Savage County

The results are in for the general state elections. The candidate speeches for each position were given last night during the general assembly.

While some speeches were pretty hilarious, most notably Luke Prairie’s comical speech, there were a few write-in candidates, but as expected none of them won. Today, I will be reviewing the elections and the candidates themselves, and the results.

For treasurer, David Sun of the Federalist party and Joshua Pura of the Nationalist party went head to head for this position. Both of their speeches were solid and came with some funny moments, and both received similar voting numbers.

However, in the end, Joshua Pura came out on top at 199 votes compared to 145 votes for David Sun. This gave Pura 57.8% of the vote, while Sun received 42.2%.
For comptroller, Jamar McCall of the Federalist party and Leo Brigham of the Nationalist party had the closest election of the summer.

While Brigham’s speech was a more typical one, McCall’s speech was very well received. Most notable is Jamar calling his grandma, which was a unique addition to the speech. That’s why Jamar McCall came out on top with 174 votes compared to 168 votes going to Leo Brigham. This was the closest race, each candidate only differing by 6 votes. 50.9% went to Jamar, while 49.1% went to Leo.
For attorney general, Josh Sloan of the Federalist party and Sean Trainor of the Nationalist party ran, both being from Savage county.

Josh Sloan gave a great speech, giving insight into his life while Sean Trainor, known as “The Lawman,” gave a comical, but great speech. In the end, this race came out one-sided with Trainor receiving 223 votes (65.6%), and Sloan getting 117 votes (34.4%). Regardless, both were excellent candidates for this position.
For secretary of state, Nathaniel Gibbs of the Federalist party and Rutvik Sayankar of the Nationalist party battled against each other. Gibbs’ speech was notably funny, while Sayankar gave one that was serious and had a great message.
This race though proved that comedy is king. Nathaniel Gibbs won with 207 votes (61.1%), and Rutvik Sayankar received 132 votes (38.9%).

For lieutenant governor, Samuel Rosenkranz of the Federalist party and Luke Prairie of the Nationalist party competed for this position.
Another Federalist, David Chu, was a write-in candidate for the position. While Rosenkranz did get a few good laughs out of the crowd, Prairie topped it with his very anticipated speech, having been pulled off stage mid-speech in the Nationalist primaries.

But this time, using a simple revision, Luke Prairie was able to complete his speech. In the end, Luke Prairie did come out on top with 224 votes (65.6%), while Samuel Rosenkranz pulled 71 votes (20.8%).

For governor, Liam Mitchell of the Federalist party faced off with Joseph Alongi of the Nationalist party. There were also two write-ins for governor, being Aditya Prathap of the Nationalist party and Brian Meehan of the Federalist party.

But much of the focus was on Mitchell and Alongi. Liam’s speech was humorous, and Joseph’s was serious and moving. He was very articulate in his speech and was quite inspirational. That’s why Alongi won with 188 votes (56.1%), with Mitchell receiving 88 votes (26.3%). Along with the speech came a “debate” between Alongi and Mitchell, being more of a “Q&A.”

With that, the newly elected officials of boy’s state have been chosen. We have Treasurer Joshua Pura, Comptroller Jamar McCall, Attorney General Sean Trainor, Secretary of State Nathaniel Gibbs, Lieutenant Governor Luke Prairie, and Governor Joseph Alongi for Illinois Premier Boys State 2019.

Great job to every candidate, and congratulations to the newly elected officials.

Lifelong Lessons: Wise words from a citizen turned 6-year counselor
By: Ricardo Soto — Kennedy County

Counselor Bio:
Name: Brad Basala
Title: City Counselor
Year Participated: 2012

Ricardo Soto: What moved you to give back to Boys State?

Brad Basala: I had such a good experience with my city and my county and what I was able to do for myself that I think everyone should have that experience. So I came back for the last 6 years to try to give back the great experience I had.

How did attending Boys State impact you?

I would say Boys State would be the first big turning point for me. I would say I was kind of a delinquent in high school and I found that if I applied myself and not just try to cruise by doing the bare minimum that maybe things would work out for me. A lot of the people that I had met here became lifelong friends and counselors that I had are the ones who signed recommendation letters for college, and job interviews. It is a major factor for joining the Navy. My county counselor my citizen year gave me some guidance which helped lead me to eventually becoming a Navy Officer.

Any advice you’d like to give to the current citizens?

Do as much with as little time that you have right now because Boys State for the citizens only happens once. Even now, I still have regrets about not doing enough. There are also activities that I wish I could’ve had that the current citizens have available. So as a final note, I tell the current citizens to do everything they can within reason.

Get out and VOTE!
By Julian Maennena – Keller County

When it comes to elections, Americans trail behind the rest of the world in regards to voter turnout.

The saying that “we get the politicians that we deserve” is more accurate than most Americans like to think.

When people do not exercise their right to vote, the actual will of the people is neglected. Not making your voice heard leads to a government that is unrepresentative of your views.

An uninformed and disinterested electorate sends a message to politicians that they are not being checked on. A lack of citizen oversight on their elected officials encourages corruption and makes politicians more susceptible to the influence of special interest groups.

Ignoring to do your constitutional duty is an insult to the millions of people in authoritarian and totalitarian states who wished they had the same right as we do. Despite that, a significant amount of Americans continue not to vote.

In the 2016 election, only 55% of Americans voted, an increase of 1% from 2012. That’s still 45% of the country that did not make its voice heard.

The midterms, however, are a tragedy when it comes to turnout. While the 2018 midterms and state elections brought a national record turnout rate of… get ready… 47%, the 2014 midterms only brought 36% of eligible voters to the polls.

When less than half of the country is making its voice heard when deciding its representatives, it’s not representative as a whole. This is true at the state and district level as well.

While turnout rates vary from each congressional district and state, it’s still not acceptable when more than half of the country detaches itself and is disengaged from the whole process.

Because of this, it is crucial that we teach American youth the importance of participating in the elections.

At Boys State, elections are simulated. Voting is required. This promotes participation in the process at the city, county, and state level. When youths are taught the importance of voting, they are more likely to exercise their rights when they become eligible to do so.

And it has been shown that people who start voting at an earlier age are more likely to become regular voters during election seasons.

In the 21st Century, there is no excuse to not cast a ballot in the elections. Many places offer early voting and voting by mail, allowing people to cast a ballot before election day even shows up.

There are countless resources, both physical and online, that can help you become more informed on a major, controversial issue.

Teens are already forming their opinions on issues that matter to them. It is important that they are encouraged to express it through their vote as they will be the next generation of leaders in America soon.

Our voting turnout needs to increase drastically. For this to occur, we need to engage our youth.

Elections

Governmental Events

The elected and duly sworn in members of the 2019 Supreme Court have announced the selection of their Chief Justice, Arya Nalluri of Keller County and Naperville, IL.

The elected and duly sworn in members of the 2019 House of Representatives have announced the selection of their Speaker of the House as Samuel Rosenkrantz of Kennedy County and Millstadt, IL and as House Clerk Mantra Dave of Gleason County and Normal, IL. 

The elected and duly sworn in members of the 2019 Senate have announced the selection of their President pro temp as Sam Shin of Hayes County and Northbrook, IL, and as Secretary of the Senate Rohit Panse of Kennedy County and Naperville, IL.

It was reported that the Boys State Supreme Court heard 3 appeals today. One of those appeals were rejected, People of Gleason County v. Andrew McElliot. The other two appeals were approved to be heard by the Court, People of Hayes County v. Crazy Robbie and Jeremy Blye v. T.J. Collins. The Court will listen to oral arguments Thursday afternoon at 1:30 in Andrews Hall.

The results of the three previously announced and one late addition appeals are as follows:

Boys State News Network

Video from Sunday’s Memorial Service. Due to technical difficulties at the time, there is no audio on this video.

Look below to listen to the WBSN podcast reports from this year when they are released.

Press Releases

The Staff of Illinois Premier Boys State would like to make mention that the events described within the following stories were fictitious within the confines of the citizenship simulation being run.

Sports

Hover or tap on the boxes to learn more

Basketball Standings
Basketball Standings
Conatser2-1 Gleason 1-2
Geiger 0-3 Hayes 2-1
Savage 3-0 Keller 0-3
Stelle 1-2 Kennedy 3-0
Scores
Monday Results
Hayes 21 Kennedy 50
Savage 54 Stelle 29
Gleason 35 Keller 23
Geiger 50 Conatser 53 Tuesday Results
Hayes 52 Gleason 27
Savage 48 Geiger 23
Kennedy 51 Keller 24
Stelle 52 Conatser 54 Wednesday Results
Gleason 14 Kennedy 47
Conatser 39 Savage 51
Hayes 43 Keller 18
Geiger 46 Stelle 59
Soccer Standings
Soccer Standings
Conatser 3-0 Gleason 2-1
Geiger 1-2 Hayes 2-1
Savage 1-2 Keller 0-3
Stelle 1-2 Kennedy 2-1
Scores
Monday Scores
Hayes 2 Gleason 3
Savage 4 Geiger 2
Kennedy 5 Keller 1
Stelle 2 Conatser 3 Tuesday Scores
Keller 0 Hayes 5
Savage 1 Conatser 2
Kennedy 3 Gleason 0
Stelle 2 Geiger4 Wednesday Scores
Gleason 1 Keller 0
Stelle 2 Savage 1
Hayes 3 Kennedy 2
Geiger 2 Conatser 5
Volleyball Standings
Volleyball Standings
Conatser 2-1 Gleason 0-3
Geiger 0-3 Hayes 1-2
Savage 1-2 Keller 2-1
Stelle 3-0 Kennedy 3-0
Scores
Monday Results
Hayes 2 Gleason 1
Savage 2 Geiger1
Kennedy 2 Keller 0
Stelle 2 Conatser 0 Tuesday Results
Kennedy 2 Gleason 1
Savage 1 Conatser 2
Hayes 0 Keller 2
Geiger 1 Stelle 2 Wednesday Results
Gleason 0 Keller 2
Stelle 2 Savage 0
Kennedy 2 Hayes 1
Geiger 0 Conatser 2
Scholastic Bowl Standings
Scholastic Bowl Standings
Conatser 0-2 Gleason 1-1
Geiger 1-1 Hayes 0-2
Savage 1-1 Keller 2-0
Stelle 2-0 Kennedy 1-1
Scores
Monday Results
Kennedy 60 Gleason 199
Savage 110 Conatser 66
Hayes 50 Keller 150
Stelle 138 Geiger 137 Tuesday Results
Keller 179 Gleason 50
Savage 80 Stelle 170
Kennedy 140 Hayes 75
Geiger 175 Conatser 15 Wednesday Results
Gleason Hayes
Savage Geiger
Kennedy Keller
Stelle Conatser

questions?

After browsing our website if you have any additional questions please feel free to contact us.

questions
35266891696_2c4e6cb4b6_o

support

Click on the PayPal Donate button below to support our program. To sponsor a full registration fee for one citizen donate $400 on the next screen.




Start typing and press Enter to search