Congressman Schmidt, Secretary of State Schwab Set for Visits

May 20, 2025 — High school students from across the State of Kansas will participate in the 87th session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, Sunday, June 1, through Saturday, June 7, at Kansas State University in Manhattan. This will be the program’s 33rd consecutive session at KSU.

Among the major events during the week include a visit by U.S. Representative Derek Schmidt (R-Kan.) and Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab. Schmidt’s appearance date/time is to be determined. Schwab will appear on Monday, June 2, as part of the evening retreat ceremonies and will swear in Kansas Boys State delegates who are elected mayor of their KBS city. Schmidt and Schwab are ALBSK alumni — Schmidt was elected governor of the 1985 session, while Schwab attended the 1989 session.

In addition, Mike Finnegan, Ph.D., assistant professor and director of K-State Strengths initiative within the Staley School of Leadership at Kansas State University, and a 1998 Kansas Boys State delegate, will be the featured keynote speaker during the Kansas Boys State opening session on June 1. Other government officials scheduled to make appearances during the week include: Kansas House of Representatives Majority Leader Chris Croft (R-Overland Park, Kan., District 8) on Tuesday, June 3; Rep. Nikki McDonald (D-Olathe, Kan., District 49) on Wednesday, June 4; and Kansas House Minority Leader Brandon Woodard (D-Lenexa, Kan., District 108), to be determined.

A list of featured events during the week follows. Unless noted, all events are open to the public.

Sunday, June 1

Monday, June 2

Tuesday, June 3

Wednesday, June 4

Thursday, June 5

Friday, June 6

Saturday, June 7

In addition to the above events, the public is invited to view the daily morning assembly/flag raising at 8:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, and at 8:45 a.m. on Saturday, as well as the evening retreat/flag lowering at 7 p.m. on Sunday and Tuesday through Friday, and at 6:45 p.m. on Monday. For those who cannot attend events, Boys State of Kansas will provide updates during the week on its Facebook page, facebook.com/KansasBoysState. and on its website at ksbstate.org.

The Kansas Boys State program includes students who have just completed their junior year of high school (will be seniors in the fall) and sophomore year of high school (will be juniors in the fall).

The objective of the ALBSK is to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to community, state and nation. Kansas Boys State provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.