Historic flooding couldn’t keep Kingfisher from having another tremendous presence at the 80th annual Oklahoma American Legion Boys State.

This year’s session, held May 25-June 1 in at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College’s campus in Miami, featured more than 400 young men who will be high school seniors next year.

A half-dozen of them were from Kingfisher High School, two more from Lomega and several other staff members have Kingfisher ties.

One of them is Dr. A.J. Johnson, who serves as the senior advisor to the director.

“Despite the May flooding which left only one route into the campus, the delegates braved the elements and were rewarded with opportunities to study state government, engage in leadership training exercises, hear outstanding speakers and meet and develop friendships with their peers from across the state,” Johnson said.

Among the speakers was Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell and former Governor George Nigh.

“He spoke at length about his love for the state of Oklahoma,” Johnson said of Nigh.

“He also told them the fascinating story of how he introduced the legislation which made the state song, ‘Oklahoma!’”

Lane Dobrovolny, who just graduated from KHS and attended Boys State last year, returned as a junior counselor this year.

“Usually former delegates are not asked to return as staff until after their first year of college, but Lane’s performance as a delegate so impressed Director Clay Ballenger, he was asked to join the staff this year,” Johnson said.

By the end of camp, Dobrovolny was presented the coveted C.J. Wright Award for “excellence in junior counseling.”

“Clearly the confidence was well placed with Lane,” Johnson said. “He continues a tradition of Kingfisher residents contributing greatly to the program.”

Lomega students attending were Karson Oppel and Connor Walker.

Attending from KHS were Jackson Leffingwell, Matthew Palmer, Harrison Themer, McCall Sinclair, Hayden Wittrock and Daken Milligan.

Joining Johnson and Dobrovolny on staff were Jared Harrison, the director of education; Sam McPherson, office manager; Lucas Norris, photographer; and Dawson Leffingwell, counselor.

This year marked the 80th anniversary for the program, which began in 1939 as the American Legion’s answer to numerous national youth programs which were considered by legion as “anti-American” including activities associated with fascist programs in Europe, Johnson noted.

Today all 50 states have Boys State programs with more than 20,000 junior boys receiving this training.  

“Those who finish the program join illustrious alumni including military figures, astronauts, public officials, professional athletes, and other men who are leaders of their communities, state and nation,” Johnson said.

The program is sponsored by The American Legion, founded 100 years ago this year, and is staffed by volunteers.

“Those volunteers give a week of their time to provide an unparalleled experience for the best young men in Oklahoma,” Johnson said.