On Memorial Day weekend, 13 local high school seniors, sponsored by the Keith Lowry-Henry Ellyson American Legion Post No. 5 and additional co-sponsors, had the opportunity to participate in “the week that shapes a lifetime.”

Over 260 high school delegates and approximately 90 volunteer staff gathered for Oklahoma American Legion Boys State at Rogers State University in Claremore for an unforgettable week of government-in-action, leadership, patriotism and friendship.

Attending the 83rd session were Kingfisher High School seniors Kale Hart, Landon Eaton, Blake Mayfi eld, Andrew Long, Jonathan Owens, Harley Hux, Elijah Johnson and Cade Covalt and Okarche High School senior Jace Rother, as well as delegates from Okeene and Watonga.

A premier program for students who have completed their junior year of high school, delegates engage in leadership utilizing a hands-on approach to cultivate an understanding of government and civic responsibility, while also honoring America’s heroes.

Founded in 1935 to counter socialism-inspired Young Pioneer camps, Boys State currently has programs in all states (except Hawaii) as well as in the District of Columbia.

Randomly assigned to “cities” for the week, delegates elect officials to run government operations at the municipal level with the opportunity to seek other positions of leadership at the county and state level.

Incorporating American Legion core values, “For God and Country,” daily opening and closing ceremonies include prayer and honoring of the flag.

Students also engage in a broad array of activities including sports, band, a talent show and “special schools” conducted by professionals in law enforcement, homeland defense, journalism, fire and rescue and many others.

Skeptical of surrendering an entire week of summer break to learn about government, Hart said he soon discovered “why you should attend.”

As KHS history, government and photography teacher Dr. A.J. Johnson spoke highly of the unique opportunities Boys State offers in regards to leadership and relationship skills, as well as academic opportunities, Hart said, “I didn’t have a lot of expectations going into it.”

The first day seemed to confirm his hesitations, Hart added.

“I could not see how spending the next six days marching everywhere we went (and we went all day and most of the evening) with unfamiliar peers was going to be beneficial or rewarding to anyone.

“However, as our week evolved, we discovered that although we shared many likenesses, we all came from different backgrounds, ideas and beliefs.

“We also quickly discovered that teamwork and commitment played a signifi cant role in our success and educated us on the true meaning of fellowship.”

With over 50 years of service at Oklahoma Boys State, Johnson has served in various capacities, including assistant director, and currently serves as special advisor to the director and assists with photography throughout the week.

“Boys State deals with critical issues that help keep the state and nation strong,” Johnson said.

As the program brings in a variety of distinguished guests, Johnson said the delegates had the opportunity to hear from the president of the Council on Foreign Relations, Dr. Richard Haas, and a discussion about his recent book, “The Bill of Obligations - The Ten Habits of Good Citizens.”

Accurately reflecting the program’s message, Johnson said, Haas discussed with the delegates how good citizenship requires Americans to behave civilly, be thoughtful about political discussions seeking truth and compromise and, above all, putting “country first.”

Other speakers included veteran college basketball coach and Oklahoma State University Associate Athletic Director Barry Hinson and retired United States Air Force Col. Charles De-Bellevue, who is one of only five Americans to achieve flying ace status during the Vietnam War.

Kingfisher City Attorney and Boys State Chief Operating Officer Jared Harrison has also served in varying capacities through the years and was awarded the Boys State’s highest honor, the “Josh Drake Follow Me” Award during last year’s program.

“We try to innovate and find new ways to present what’s going on in the world and our state to let the kids talk about current events,” Harrison said.

One of the goals is to help students learn how to talk to people they disagree with, as well as people they agree with, and the only way to do that is with real-life scenarios, he said.

“Sometimes you have to agree to disagree, but do it with civility and in a way that you can still be friends,” Harrison said.

As students participated in various aspects of the simulated government, Covalt was elected as one of the corporation commissioners at the state level.

The program was moved to the RSU campus, site of the former Oklahoma Military Academy, last year, and Harrison said it was a natural fit and has provided even more unique opportunities.

Located on campus are four monuments dedicated to Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and a lone cadet which stands watch from the hill.

A night tour of the monuments, Harrison said, provided an opportunity to teach the boys about each leader’s impact on America and also discuss the privilege and responsibility of each citizen in the electoral process.

On Memorial Day, delegates are reminded of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country by conducting a wreath-laying ceremony at the OMA’s Killed in Action Memorial, which includes a three-volley salute and the playing of “Taps.”

With a focus on government and civic duty, delegates had the opportunity to observe a legislative roundtable consisting of current legislators discussing opposing views, yet with civility and respect, Harrison said.

An added bonus for delegates is the opportunity to receive three hours of college credit and a $12,000 RSU scholarship for their participation in Boys State.

Other Kingfisher volunteers involved this year were KHS grads Matthew Miller as chief photographer, Dustyn McLean and Nick Tramel as counselors and Dawson Leffingwell as band director.

A 2016 KHS graduate, Leffingwell has served for six years as a counselor and is currently in his third year as an assistant band director at Muskogee Public Schools.

Receiving this year’s Outstanding Administrative Staff Member Award, Harrison said, “Dawson did a phenomenal job.”

“He has done a great job for years, but in the band director position he really thrived.”

Truly impacting the students, Harrison said, one of the things Leffingwell imprinted on them was that they must be the force of change.

“One of the quotes he used, ‘Nothing changes, if nothing changes,’ really stuck with many of the students,” Harrison said.

Singing the praises of Boys State, Leffingwell said, “I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for Boys State and band.

“If students can go, send them, because it is the week that shapes a lifetime.”

Approximately 35 students were involved in the band during the week, including five of those sponsored by American Legion Post No. 5.

At the end of the week, Boys State Director and Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Corey Brooks lauded the band, stating that “it was the best he’s seen in 10 years,” Johnson said.

In addition, Mayfield was presented with the “Director’s Coin” for his performance on the trumpet.

He played “Reveille”, “Retreat” and gave a beautiful rendition of “Taps” at the closing assembly, Johnson added.

Other local volunteers for the week included American Legion Post No. 5 members Sam McPherson, coordinator for the Samsung scholarship, and Ken Tollison volunteered his time as bus driver.

Skepticism replaced with gratitude, Hart said along with team recreational activities, basketball and flickerball being two of his favorites, Boys State offers an enhanced learning experience of government at the city, county and state levels through active participation.

“For me, learning about our political system and how our government works by forming our own government and elections was highly motivating and pushed many of us out of our comfort zones,” Hart said.

“By the end of the week, we had made new friends and connections and clearly understood the true meaning of brotherhood.

“I would like to thank the Kingfisher American Legion for their sponsorship and providing us the opportunity to experience such a program.”

As most of the staff recognizes the value of the program and are willing to give a week of their time, Harrison said, “We want the program to be as good as it can be, because we know it can change lives and the lives it changes are the future leaders of our state and nation.”