Thirteen days after finishing up their junior year of high school, 14 BHS boys will be heading to Jackson’s Mill to take part in the 80^th Annual Boy’s State, held June 11-17. As students before them have, the group will experience an intensive week learning about the principles that govern West Virginia. 

 

The Mountain State hosts the second oldest Boys State in the country and participants are immersed in three days of intense instruction prior to participating in a mini-society in which each portrays the roles of government officials.

 

Participants are given the opportunity to apply for positions with the bank, homeland security, the police academy, journalism, DNR, emergency services, DMV, the National Guard or any of the governing positions. 

 

Throughout the week, notable officials will be speaking with the boys in order to help them better understand how state government works. Past speakers have included Senators, the Secretary of State, and members of the military.  Details of this year’s presenters are still being finalized.

 

The selection process from Boys State is based on leadership in school and community, GPA, and sponsorship by organizations in the area.  BHS students attending this year include Brent Sinsel, Ben Holbert, Jake Runner, Tanner Cava, Koby Kiefer, Logan Crayton, Adam Bentz. Cooper Hineman, Nate Cole, Grant Duvall, Mark Duez, Brayden Lesher, Alex Simons and Spencer Ortiz. They will be among the nearly 500 boys from around the state to take part in the tradition.

 

Following a week of campaigning, working and listening to dynamic speakers, the boy-citizens will be recognized in a formal graduation ceremony, closing out a memorable week of government education.