For 15 Bridgeport High School boys, summer began with a week of intense immersion into government and citizenship. The group traveled to Jackson’s Mill to attend the 78^th Annual Boys State, sponsored by the American Legion.

 

The boys were selected based on their leadership in school and community as well as their GPA and most were sponsored by various organizations around the county.

 

As the second-oldest Boys State in the country, West Virginia makes sure the participants leave having first-hand experience in all things involving the government.  Boys were given the opportunity to apply for positions with the bank, homeland security, the police academy, journalism, DNR, emergency services, DMV, the National Guard and more as they sampled the roles of the government and their impact.

 

Boys State began as an effort to teach the basic principles of a democratic society and gain knowledge and appreciation for state government.  It focuses on developing strong and involved citizens and included a mock election in which two  BHS boys were contenders.  Emory Smith ran for Governor and Eric Sprouse ran for Attorney General after passing the Bar Exam. Ross Marra was the Chief of Police for Marion County.

 

After three days of intense instruction, the boy citizens began running Jackson’s Mill as a mini-society on Wednesday. The speakers, including Senator Joe Manchin, inspired their decisions of where to participate.  Inspire WV Director Chelsea Costello also encouraged them to take this knowledge back to BHS and encourage students to get more involved in government.

 

Students from throughout the state participated in the event and making friends was one of the greatest benefits of the week.  They participated in a graduation ceremony at the end of the week and were challenged to continue learning about how effective they can be in government of all levels.

 

The BHS participants were as follows:  Ross Marra, Matt Dillon, Tanner Furby,  Jacob Griffith, Logan Davis, Cameron Belcher, Ryley Sturm, Eric Sprouse, Emery Smith, Alex Popovich, Jonah Lalama, Donald Kummer, Bryce Williams, Logan Smith, and Hunter Haddix.