YOLO at Boys & Girls State

YOLO at Boys & Girls State

by Sophia Tagliarino

Reporter, Flyer Flash

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Though the summer torpor and heat dragged on, four lucky juniors ventured up north for the annual Boys and Girls State. Going has changed their interests in politics and government, helping them want to prepare more for the future.

Shaun Smith, Russel Fitzgerald, Dylan Gavin, and Tanner Hafen drove up to Boys State at Weber State University while Chandlie Stratton, Shalynne Seegmiller, and Lysi Chamberlain braved it to Girls State at Southern Utah University.

In the 1940s, American Veterans sought to incite patriotism and teach students politics, about how government works, and how to be a good citizen; thus Boys State was born.

“It’s a launching pad to be part of bigger things,” said Russel Fitzgerald, who thoroughly enjoyed his week in attending mock trials, elections, and other activities at the university.

Both versions of State held mock elections, in which students could participate by running for various “offices;” like delegates or the senate, the campaigns branching off from city level to county level, and then state, explained Shaun Smith.

Smith ran as a delegate and Chandlie Stratton for one of the ten state offices, while Fitzgerald ran against numerous other boys for the Senate. Stratton and Fitzgerald won their elections, Fitzgerald making it to Boy’s Nation at which he was able to meet Obama himself.

During the week, those attending were able to meet many other substantial political and military figures, such as Utah Governor Gary Herbert, Congressman Ron Bishop, Jennifer Stagg from KSL, as well as heavily decorated war heroes Sarge and Casey Kunimura.

In total, participating costs about four-hundred dollars that includes the time up there and three whole semester credits of political science that can be used in colleges across the nation.

Dylan Gavin commented that money or lack thereof shouldn’t be an excuse not to go, since there are plenty of organizations and sponsors willing to give you the money needed.

“I promise that it is one of the coolest experiences I have ever had,” Stratton eagerly spoke about her wonderful time at Girls State through an email interview, encouraging others to take the necessary steps and apply for the opportunity. “If you are a junior, talk to the counselors and apply. Please!”

Juniors: should your life turn out to be full of regret, count on your attendance at Boys and Girls State to be the one fruitful highlight of your high school career.