Bridgeport High School's William Northey Elected as Governor of 86th Edition of Mountaineer Boys State
By Jeff Toquinto on June 17, 2025
For the second time in three years, the governor of the American Legion Mountaineer Boys State is from Bridgeport High School.
William “Will” Northey won the election at the event that was held June 9 through June 15 at West Virginia University’s Jackson’s Mill facility 
in Lewis County. This year marked the 86th edition of the event that helps shape many of the state’s future leaders.
in Lewis County. This year marked the 86th edition of the event that helps shape many of the state’s future leaders.
“My friend, Sam Dodson, was governor two years ago,” said Northey. “He was my inspiration to run, along with high personal ambition to succeed and push myself.”
After randomly being assigned one of the two parties (Nationalists and Federalists), individuals were selected from each county – or in this case a cottage – to determine issues each party would run on. From there, caucuses and conventions were held to promote issues being backed by the parties and their respective candidates.
“I was fortunate to win our party's primary with great support, and in the general election, my appeal to a bipartisan sentiment garnered support from the other party,” said Northey.
Northey and Dodson are not just former BHS classmates. They also have the status of standout BHS cross country team members.
“(Coach Nathaniel Luytens) Looch does a great job of impressing upon us the importance of accountability, work ethic, and character,” said Northey. “Running long distances takes dedication and is often uncomfortable. I feel it's fitting that our team motto is 'It's good to do hard things.' Running for governor was definitely hard, so coach's lesson of perseverance helped me power through.”
He also credited the atmosphere at Bridgeport High School for the desire to run and eventually winning.
“BHS is full of ambitious students. This pushes me to put myself in new situations to stand out among my peers. It's given me the 
boldness to aim high and run for governor,” said Northey. “The teachers also ensure, both in class and through extracurriculars, that we achieve our full potential, and I appreciate them greatly.”
boldness to aim high and run for governor,” said Northey. “The teachers also ensure, both in class and through extracurriculars, that we achieve our full potential, and I appreciate them greatly.”
Some of those students were at Jackson’s Mill with Northey. And they helped in his quest to win the seat of governor.
"I had amazing support from my fellow Bridgeport students. Jackson Semplice in particular helped make my sign, which received a great deal of notice and helped me get my name out there. I greatly appreciate their help and support,” he said.
After high school, Northey plans to pursue a four-year degree. After that, he is looking at applying to law school and practicing law for
several years. Eventually, he wants to go into politics and reach the highest level.
several years. Eventually, he wants to go into politics and reach the highest level.
Northey said the move into politics is to have “the eventual goal of becoming President of the United States.”
Northey is the son of Melissa and Jeffrey Northey.
He had high words of praise also for the Boys State program and its focus on government and leadership.
“There are programs not just in politics, but everything ranging from emergency services to law enforcement to banking. There's something for everyone at Boys State. I would highly recommend the program to anyone and everyone,” he said. “I really appreciate local American Legion member Mr. Ken McCrory, who found me a sponsorship to attend, and I appreciate the Bridgeport Lions Club's willingness to sponsor youth to programs such as these.”
Editor's Note: Top photo shows William Northey outside of the "Lewis Cottage," while he's shown with his family (from left, brother Graham, William, mother Melissa, and father Jeffrey) in the second photo. In the third photo, he's shown with BHS classmate James Hadjis. Bottom photo is some of the work done in colloboration with Jackson Semplice.
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