At American Legion Boys State, participants are exposed to the rights and privileges, the duties and the responsibilities of a franchised citizen. The training is objective and practical with city, county and state governments operated by the students elected to the various offices. Activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement, presentations, assemblies, bands, chorus and recreational programs.

This year’s session was held at Radford University, June 19-25.

Participants, sponsored by American Legion Post 162, included:

Michael Baldinger

High School: Hayfield

Office: City Councilman

Sports: Billiards

Talent Show: Juggling

Ethan Baird

High School: Hayfield

Office: Campaign Organizer

Sports: Ping Pong and Frisbee

Classes: Parliamentary procedure and Better Speaking

Yosaph Boku

High School: Mount Vernon

Office: Governor

Award: College Scholarship for $4,000

Activity: Newspaper Staff

Class: Better Speaking

Juan Giron-Blanco

High School: Mount Vernon

Office: City Council and Secretary of Natural Resources

Class: Running for Public Office and Better Speaking

Aaron Moorer

High School: Mount Vernon

Office: City Council

Sport: Volleyball

Malcolm "Mac" Slugg

High School: South County

Braydin Sones

High School: South County

Office: City Council

Class: Better Speaking

Carter Engvall

High School: West Potomac

Office: House of Delegates

Sport: Flag Football

Tyler Hawley

High School: West Potomac

Office: House of Delegates

Award: Top Bill

Activity: Band

Class: Running for Public Office and Better Speaking

Ryan Huck

High School: West Potomac

Office: Circuit Court Judge

Honor: Finalist, 2nd Place Moot Court

Activity: Moot Court

Dominic Mancini

High School: West Potomac

Office: City Council

Sport: Soccer

Patrick Sansone

High School: Saint Anselms Abby School (Washington D.C.)

Office: Federalist City Party Chairman

Award: Best Citizen of Henry City

Activity: Chorus

Class: Better Speaking

Profile

Yosaph Boku

Yosaph Boku, a Post 162 representative from Mount Vernon High School and incoming senior, was elected Governor at the 2016 Virginia Boys State held at Radford University.

Could you provide your background along with your family?

I was the seventh child of my parents born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. My entire family immigrated to Alexandria, Va. when I was five under the Diversity Immigrant Visa program. I was then recommended for Fairfax County’s Advanced Academics Program (AAP) from grade three to eight. Both of my parents now live in Ethiopia, so I am residing with my eldest sister who is my legal guardian.

What did you take away from this experience and what advice could you provide for a future Boys State candidate?

Usually, candidates who are the funniest, strongest, tallest, and most handsome are those who get elected. However, I have none of those previous characteristics. I was elected because I emphasized how my credentials would enable me to be an apt governor, and I spoke of real issues facing the citizens of Boy’s State.

What career/degree do you think you might pursue after high school?

I would like to become a medical doctor as a pediatrician. As a doctor, I would like to serve in the Peace Corps or within the organization, “Doctors Without Borders.” I am also now considering whether I could be like Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam, who serves on the General Assembly but also serves as a physician.

What college are you pursuing?

Princeton University