American Legion Boys State of Kansas Leadership Academy Concludes 2019 Session

Approximately 405 young men from across the State of Kansas, all of whom will enter their senior year of high school this fall, participated in the 2019 session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas Leadership Academy. The event, which concluded its 82nd year, was held June 2-7 at Kansas State University in Manhattan for the 28th consecutive year.

The ALBSKLA 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.

Among the highlights from the week, Dalton White, a resident of Leavenworth, Kan., and a senior-to-be at Leavenworth High School, was elected Boys State of Kansas governor. In addition, Ian Gould, Roeland Park, Kan., a senior-to-be at Shawnee Mission East High School in Prairie Village, Kan., and Zachary Wash, McPherson, Kan., a senior-to-be at McPherson High School, were elected by their peers to represent Boys State of Kansas at Boys Nation this summer, Friday, July 19, through Saturday, July 27, at Marymount University in Arlington, Va.

Brad Biles, Prairie Village, Kan., was named Adviser of the Year as selected by fellow Kansas Boys State advisers. Biles, who was a 1983 KBS delegate from Bonner Springs (Kan.) High School, serves as the Kansas Boys State public relations director.

Dustin Curiel, Hutchinson, Kan., who served as the head media counselor this year, was named Counselor of the Year (counselors with four or more years’ experience). He was a 2014 KBS delegate from Hutchinson High School. Jacob Casey, Gardner, Kan., who served as an internet technology counselor this year, was named New Counselor of the Year (counselors with three or fewer years’ experience). He was a 2016 KBS delegate from Gardner-Edgerton High School.

Levi Hickert, Hays, Kan. (attends Hays High School), was named the Kansas Boys State winner of the Samsung American Legion Scholarship. Hickert receives a guaranteed $1,250 scholarship and advances to be considered as a National Scholar for the chance to earn up to a $10,000 scholarship. Hickert was a senator representing Patton County during the week.

Davis Miller, Mission Hills, Kan. (attends Pembroke Hill School, Kansas City, Mo.) received the William “Bill” F. Stahl Outstanding Justice Award, given to the outstanding member of the Boys State of Kansas Supreme Court as voted on by his Supreme Court peers. The award is presented in recognition of outstanding commitment to justice under the law and dedicated service to Boys State of Kansas. Stahl, of Junction City, Kan., passed away in September 2015 and was a longtime supporter of the ALBSKLA.

Weston Curnow, Olathe, Kan. (attends Olathe West High School), was named the Outstanding Senator (representing Pershing County), and Davis Griffey, Leawood, Kan. (attends Blue Valley High School, Overland Park, Kan.), was named the Outstanding State Representative (representing Pershing County).

The 2020 American Legion Boys State of Kansas Leadership Academy is scheduled to be held the week beginning Sunday, May 31, again at Kansas State University. For information on becoming a delegate, visit http://kansasboysstate.com/ or http://bsla.info/old/.

The following is a list of this year’s ALBSKLA delegates (listed by zip code/city of residence; all cities in Kansas unless noted). Those delegates denoted with a star (*) were elected by their Kansas Boys State city as its outstanding citizen:

(Name, High School, Boys State Elected/Appointed Position – all cities/high schools in Kansas unless noted)

66002 — Atchison

• Brenden Blakley, Atchison High School, Patton County Representative
• Payden Brunton, Atchison High School, Kennedy County Commissioner
• William Madden, Maur Hill-Mount Academy, Attorney General
• Cade Wilburn, Maur Hill-Mount Academy, Patton County Commissioner

66006 — Baldwin City

• Lane Anderson, Baldwin High School, Department of Natural Resources Official
• Jordan Barth, Baldwin High School, Eisenhower County Representative
• * Ethan Eckman, Baldwin High School, City of Whorley Mayor
  • Eckman was the Outstanding Citizen for the City of Whorley
• William Harvey, Baldwin High School, Patton County Highway Patrol Officer
• Caden Prather, Baldwin High School, Kennedy County Commissioner

66015 — Colony

• Gregory Hardwick, Crest High School, City of Spigarelli Councilman

66020 — Easton

• Noah Younger, Pleasant Ridge High School, Kennedy County Senator

66024 — Elwood

• Matthew Mitchell, Riverside High School, Patton County Highway Patrol Officer

66025 — Eudora

• Hayden Miller, Eudora High School, Eisenhower County Representative

66027 — Fort Leavenworth

• Jeffrey Duenas, Leavenworth High School, City of O’Leary Councilman
• Nick Meyer, Leavenworth High School, Eisenhower County District Court Official
• Andrew Myers, Leavenworth High School, Powell County Highway Patrol Officer
• Gabriel Parrish, Leavenworth High School, Kennedy County Senator
• Curtis Springer, Leavenworth High School, Eisenhower County Commissioner
• Andrew West, Leavenworth High School, City of Whorley Councilman

66030 — Gardner

• * Tate Allen, Gardner-Edgerton High School, Patton County Commissioner
  • Allen was the Outstanding Citizen for the City of O’Leary
• Trenton Bryan, Gardner-Edgerton High School, Kennedy County Representative
• Chance Delaney, Gardner-Edgerton High School, City of Chastain Councilman
• Chris Lee, The Barstow School (Kansas City, Mo.), Stater Radio
• Evan Wooten, Gardner-Edgerton High School, Pershing County Representative

66032 — Garnett

• Zachary Barnes, Anderson County High School, City of Finley Councilman
• Erik Rytter, Anderson County High School, City of Whorley Councilman

66033 — Greeley

• Porter Richards, Anderson County High School, Eisenhower County District Court Official

66043 — Lansing

• Philippe Fall, Leavenworth High School, Kennedy County Representative
• Logan Hope, Lansing High School, City of Johnson Mayor
• Harrison Kurz, Lansing High School, Eisenhower County District Court Official
• Jeb Marshall, Leavenworth High School, City of Gardner Councilman
• Stephen Mefford, Leavenworth High School, Eisenhower County Representative
• Caelan Neibert, Leavenworth High School, City of Werring Councilman
• Liam Neidig, Lansing High School, Supreme Court Justice
• Jack Wojtalewicz, Lansing High School, Patton County Representative

66044 / 66047 / 66049 — Lawrence

• Matthew Brandenburger, Lawrence Free State High School, Eisenhower County Senator
• Ben Burger, Home School, Powell County Senator
• Nicholas Burket, Lawrence Free State High School, Broadcast Media
• Trent Ediger, Lawrence Free State High School, City of Bluemke Councilman
• Jack Gray-Nichols, Lawrence High School, City of Werring Councilman
• Aidan Hathaway, Home School, Department of Humanities Official
• Ben Hoopes, Lawrence High School, Patton County Senator
• Keaton Hoy, Lawrence High School, Stater Radio
• Sam Hutfles, Lawrence Free State High School, City of Johnson Councilman
• Solomon Kaufman, Lawrence High School, Department of Natural Resources Official
• Henry Nelson, Bishop Seabury Academy, City of Shelton Councilman
• Reid Plinsky, Lawrence Free State High School, Department of Natural Resources Official
• Alexander Porter, Bishop Seabury Academy, Patton County Commissioner
• Louden Schwab, Lawrence Free State High School, City of O’Leary Councilman
• J.J. Smith, Lawrence High School, Stater Radio
• Luca StockWil, Lawrence Free State High School, Department of Natural Resources Official
• Elliott Whisenant, Lawrence Free State High School, Kennedy County Senator
• Joshua Woolverton, Lawrence High School, Stater Radio

66046 — Baldwin City/Lawrence

• Atticus Feldt, Baldwin High School, City of Spigarelli Councilman
• Ike Phillips, Baldwin High School, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

66048 — Leavenworth

• Brett Chapman, Leavenworth High School, The Delegate News
• Noah DeVlaminck, Leavenworth High School, Powell County Representative
• Lucas Franssen, Pleasant Ridge High School, Patton County Representative
• Alexander Garcia, Leavenworth High School, Eisenhower County Representative
• Wyatt Langfoss, Leavenworth High School, Pershing County Senator
• Antonio Lemus, Leavenworth High School, Patton County Senator
• Jackson Nicodemus, Leavenworth High School, Pershing County Highway Patrol Officer
• Caiden Rempel, Bonner Springs High School, City of Shelton Mayor
• Josh Schatzel, Leavenworth High School, Patton County District Court Official
• Parker Schmitt, Leavenworth High School, Kennedy County Representative
• Isaiah Sterling, Lansing High School, City of Shelton Councilman
• Orion Swienton, Leavenworth High School, City of Shelton Councilman
• Dalton White, Leavenworth High School, Governor
• Trevor White, Leavenworth High School, City of Spigarelli Councilman

66053 — Louisburg

• Thomas Arnett, Louisburg High School, Eisenhower County Highway Patrol Officer
• William Frank, Louisburg High School, Patton County Representative
• Evan Murphy, Louisburg High School, City of Thomson Councilman
• Deven Wieland, Louisburg High School, City of Schrag Councilman

66061 / 66062 — Olathe

• Dallin Armstrong, Olathe Northwest High School, City of Shelton Councilman
• Josh Barron, Olathe Northwest High School, Nationalist Party Chairman
• Drew Bellamy, Olathe North High School, Kennedy County Senator
• Tyler Boutte, Olathe South High School, Pershing County Senator
• Evan Chladny, Olathe West High School, City of Thomson Councilman
• Ryan Cole, Olathe East High School, Powell County Representative
• Weston Curnow, Olathe West High School, Pershing County Senator and Senate Minority Whip
  • Curnow was selected Outstanding Senator
• Quinn Davidson, Olathe West High School, Patton County Senator
• Alex Gallion, Olathe East High School, Pershing County Commissioner
• Aidan Gibson, Olathe West High School, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
• Luke Gwartney, Olathe West High School, Eisenhower County Senator
• Pierce Gwartney, Olathe West High School, City of Whorley Councilman
• Moses Haung Daung, Olathe East High School, Kennedy County Commissioner
• Will Hwang, Olathe East High School, City of O’Leary Councilman
• * Brian Mann, Blue Valley High School, City of Gardner Mayor
  • Mann was the Outstanding Citizen for the City of Gardner
• Connor MacWherter, Olathe West High School, Pershing County Commissioner
• Erick Menjivar-Flores, Olathe Northwest High School, City of Johnson Councilman
• Evan Porter, Olathe Northwest High School, Eisenhower County Commissioner
• Drew Ross, Home School, City of Gardner Councilman
• Jace Toon, Blue Valley West High School, Eisenhower County Commissioner
• Ethan Voss, Heritage Christian Academy, Broadcast Media
• Nikhil Zcharia, Olathe Northwest High School, Eisenhower County District Court Official

66064 — Osawatomie

• Sam Howell, Osawatomie High School, Powell County Commissioner
• Blake Miller, Osawatomie High School, Pershing County Commissioner

66066 — Oskaloosa

• Levi Thomas, McLouth High School, Broadcast Media

66067 — Ottawa

• Alex Cannady, Central Heights High School, Pershing County Highway Patrol Officer
• Jayden Porter, Ottawa High School, Kennedy County Representative and House of Representatives Sergeant-at-Arms

66071 — Paola

• Mason Escobar, Paola High School, Powell County District Court Official
• Creighton Markovich, Paola High School, Pershing County District Court Official
• Preston Martin, Paola High School, Kennedy County Commissioner
• Dylan Newton, Paola High School, Patton County Representative

66073 — Perry

• Nolan Meyer, Perry-Lecompton High School, Eisenhower County Senator

66075 — Pleasanton

• Cole Cunningham, Pleasanton High School, Pershing County Representative

66076 — Pomona

• Tanner Gould, West Franklin High School, City of Lane Councilman

66080 — Richmond

• Jonathan Fox, Central Heights High School, Powell County District Court Official

66085 — Overland Park / Stilwell

• Harrison Dollar, Blue Valley West High School, Kennedy County Representative
• Bryce Goswick, Blue Valley High School, Patton County Senator
• William Jiang, Blue Valley High School, Powell County District Court Official
• Rylan Kohl, Blue Valley Southwest High School, Powell County Representative
• Nirvan Silswal, Blue Valley North High School, Department of Economy Official

66090 — Wathena

• Bradley Libel, Riverside High School, Pershing County Representative

66093 — Westphalia

• Jacob Elliss, Home School, Patton County Representative

66109 / 66112 — Kansas City

• Stanley Coates, Whitefield Academy (Kansas City, Mo.), Eisenhower County Commissioner
• Christian Graves, Washington High School, Kennedy County Highway Patrol Officer
• Inri Medina, Washington High School, City of Whorley Councilman
• * Joseph McCray, Washington High School, Eisenhower County Commissioner
  • McCray was the Outstanding Citizen for the City of Bley

66202 — Mission

• Benjamin Coffman, Bishop Miege High School, Kennedy County Commissioner

66204 —Overland Park

• Anthony Harris, Shawnee Mission North High School, Department of Natural Resources Official
• Max VanMeter, Bishop Miege High School, Boys State National Guard

66205 — Roeland Park / Westwood

• Ian Gould, Shawnee Mission East High School, Eisenhower County Senator
  • Gould was elected to represent Kansas Boys State at Boys Nation
• JohnJoe Lopez II, Bishop Miege High School, Pershing County Commissioner
• Joe Nordling, Bishop Miege High School, Powell County Representative
• Maximilian Worth, Shawnee Mission East High School, Department of Economy Official

66206 — Leawood

• Gibson Hobbs, Shawnee Mission East High School, Boys State National Guard

66207 — Overland Park / Prairie Village

• Mark Early, Shawnee Mission South High School, Boys State National Guard
• George Ruf IV, Bishop Miege High School, Powell County Commissioner
• Sawyer Shutts, Bishop Miege High School, Patton County Representative

66208 — Mission Hills / Prairie Village

• Charles Brookby, St. Mark’s School (Southborough, Mass.), Boys State National Guard
• Michael McAlister, Shawnee Mission East High School, Stater Radio
• Davis Miller, Pembroke Hill School (Kansas City, Mo.), Supreme Court Justice
  • Miller received the William “Bill” F. Stahl Outstanding Justice Award
• Harper Molen, Rockhurst High School (Kansas City, Mo.), The Delegate News
• Sam Nordhus, St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Department of Economy Official

66209 / 66211 / 66224 — Leawood

• Declan Carter, Blue Valley North High School, Speaker of the House and Powell County Representative
• Kaden Counts, Blue Valley North High School, The Delegate News
• Thomas Dunn, St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Kennedy County Commissioner
• * Nick Farrell, Blue Valley North High School, City of Schrag Mayor
  • Farrell was the Outstanding Citizen for the City of Schrag
• Davis Griffey, Blue Valley High School, Pershing County Representative
  • Griffey was selected Outstanding Representative
• Matthew Lettow, Whitefield Academy (Kansas City, Mo.), Powell County Representative
• Liam O’Leary, Blue Valley North High School, City of O’Leary Mayor
• Sammy Parrigon, Rockhurst High School (Kansas City, Mo.), Powell County Representative
• Cade Stout, Blue Valley High School, Eisenhower County Representative
• Namgyung Yoo, Blue Valley North High School, Department of Economy Official

66213 / 66214 / 66221 / 66223 — Overland Park

• Brock Barthol, Blue Valley Northwest High School, City of Schrag Councilman
• Benjamin Cahill, Blue Valley Northwest High School, The Delegate News
• Jacob Carnes, Blue Valley Southwest High School, Pershing County Representative
• Gabriel Deng, Blue Valley North High School, Patton County Representative
• Joshua Eskra, Blue Valley Southwest High School, Patton County Senator
• Matt Gawlick, Blue Valley Northwest High School, Department of Humanities Official
• Chase Harriman, Olathe Northwest High School, Powell County Commissioner
• Rushabh Joshi, Blue Valley North High School, Eisenhower County Commissioner
• Karthik Kasarabada, Olathe North High School, City of Bley Mayor
• Hamza Khaliq, Blue Valley West High School, Pershing County Representative
• Joshua Knecht, Shawnee Mission West High School, Broadcast Media
• Reed Krewson, Blue Valley Southwest High School, Kennedy County Representative and House of Representatives Minority Whip
• Alex Liebelt, Heritage Christian Academy, Powell County Commissioner
• Jack Merchant, Blue Valley West High School, City of Lane Councilman
• Ethan Minter, Blue Valley Northwest High School, Kennedy County Commissioner
• Han Yun Park, Blue Valley North High School, The Delegate News
• C.J. Pfanstiel, Blue Valley West High School, Kennedy County District Court Official
• Aaditya Pore, Olathe East High School, Eisenhower County Senator
• John Price, Blue Valley Southwest High School, Federalist Party Chairman
• Andrew Schatte, Shawnee Mission South High School, Powell County Commissioner
• Jack Souder, Blue Valley North High School, Eisenhower County Commissioner
• Gabe Staudinger, Shawnee Mission West High School, Boys State National Guard
• Vivasvat Vatatmaja, Blue Valley North High School, Pershing County District Court Official

66216 / 66227 — Lenexa / Shawnee

• Casey Booth, St. James Academy, Eisenhower County Representative
• Alex Drone, St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Broadcast Media
• Paul Masoner, Bishop Miege High School, Supreme Court Justice
• Brett Ward, St. James Academy, Patton County Representative
• Lane Warner, DeSoto High School, Stater Radio

66218 / 66226 — Shawnee

• Travis Babcock, Mill Valley High School, Powell County Commissioner
• Mason Ericson, DeSoto High School, Eisenhower County Commissioner
• Aidan Taylor, Mill Valley High School, Pershing County Senator

66219 / 66220 — Lenexa

• Tate Brungardt, St. James Academy, City of Gardner Councilman
• Viturva Patel, Olathe Northwest High School, City of Gardner Councilman

66423 — Eskridge

• Trenton Parks, Mission Valley High School, City of Shelton Councilman

66429 — Grantville

• Kyler Kaniper, Silver Lake High School, City of Werring Councilman

66440 — Hoyt

• Christian McAlister, Royal Valley High School, Powell County Representative

66441 / 66442 — Junction City

• Julian Apa, St. Xavier High School, Powell County Highway Patrol Officer
• Logan Bogle, Junction City High School, Patton County Representative
• Alexander DeGuzman, Junction City High School, Department of Economy Official
• Ethan Dozier, Junction City High School, Kennedy County Representative
• Youngmin Jeon, St. Xavier High School, City of Shelton Councilman
• Jeremiah Nieves, Junction City High School, Pershing County Senator and Senate Majority Whip

66451 — Lyndon

• Andrew Harty, Lyndon High School, Powell County Senator

66502 — Manhattan

• Wil Bannister, Manhattan High School, Pershing County Representative and House Minority Leader
• Josh Brandt, Manhattan High School, City of Finley Mayor
• Jonathan Hoepner, Manhattan High School, Department of Humanities Official
• Adrian Kaus, Manhattan High School, City of Bluemke Councilman
• Josh Khang, Manhattan High School, The Delegate News
• Kyle Kramer, Manhattan High School, City of Chastain Mayor
• Shawn Lange, Manhattan High School, The Delegate News
• Mason Lutz, Manhattan High School, Eisenhower County Representative
• Ruiyang Ma, Manhattan High School, Department of Economy Official
• Jimmy Marshall, Manhattan High School, Eisenhower County Representative
• Alejandro Ortiz, Manhattan High School, Kennedy County Representative
• Nathan Paukstelis, Manhattan High School, Kennedy County Representative
• Micah Stewart, Manhattan High School, Eisenhower County Commissioner
• Colton Sullivan, Manhattan High School, Pershing County Commissioner
• Peyton Weixelman, Manhattan High School, The Delegate News
• Luke Wichmann, Manhattan High School, Patton County Representative
• Allen Zhang, Manhattan High School, Secretary of State

66507 — Maple Hill

• Jacob Donaldson, Wabaunsee High School, Powell County Representative

66517 — Ogden

• Joseph Godown, Manhattan High School, Pershing County Commissioner
• Juan Salinas, Manhattan High School, Powell County Commissioner

66531 — Riley

• Tucker Ashburn, Riley County High School, City of O’Leary Councilman

66535 — St. George

• Ethan McAnerney, Rock Creek High School, City of Gardner Councilman
• Gabe Roberts, Rock Creek High School, Eisenhower County Senator

66538 — Seneca

• Roland Voracek, Nemaha Central High School, Kennedy County Commissioner

66539 — Silver Lake

• * Cody Hay, Silver Lake High School, Eisenhower County Representative
  • Hay was the Outstanding Citizen for the City of Chastain
• Logan Matzke, Silver Lake High School, Pershing County Commissioner

66542 — Tecumseh

• Andrew Umscheid, Shawnee Heights High School, Department of Economy Official

66546 — Wakarusa

• Bryce Liedtke, Shawnee Heights High School, City of Werring Mayor

66547 — Wamego

• Josh Eichem, Wamego High School, Patton County Commissioner
• Dacotah Lee, Wamego High School, City of Gardner Councilman
• Jack Watson, Wamego High School, City of Bluemke Councilman
• Robert Zhang, Manhattan High School, Powell County Representative

66548 — Waterville

• Elijah Caswell, Valley Heights High School, Department of Economy Representative

66603 / 66604 / 66605 / 66607 / 66614 / 66617 / 66618 / 66675 — Topeka

• Devin Appelhanz, Seaman High School, Pershing County Representative
• Graham Bond, Topeka West High School, The Delegate News
• Alejandro Calderon, Hayden Catholic High School, Pershing County Representative
• Hugo Gonzalez, Topeka West High School, Kennedy County District Court Official
• London Gregory, Shawnee Heights High School, City of Johnson Councilman
• Christopher Hargreaves, Topeka West High School, Pershing County Senator
• Korbin Hogan, Shawnee Heights High School, Stater Radio
• Eli Holloman, Topeka High School, Pershing County Commissioner
• Parker Jackson, Topeka High School, Eisenhower County Senator
• Malcolm Lathrop-Allen, Topeka High School, Kennedy County Senator
• Ryan McNeely, Seaman High School, City of Lane Councilman
• Jack Murphy, Topeka High School, Powell County Senator
• Eric Patterson Jr., Seaman High School, Stater Radio
• Andrew Patton, Seaman High School, City of Bluemke Councilman
• Charles Pershall, Topeka West High School, Patton County Representative
• Thomas Rodgers, Topeka High School, Patton County Commissioner
• Gerod Shaffer, Seaman High School, City of Thomson Councilman
• Griffin Stuewe, Seaman High School, City of Schrag Councilman
• Santiago Trejo, Washburn Rural High School, Pershing County Commissioner
• Trenton Wagner, Washburn Rural High School, Department of Natural Resources Official

66710 — Altoona

• Lucas Songer, Neodesha High School, Kennedy County Commissioner

66720 — Chanute

• Jacob Adams, Chanute High School, City of Thomson Councilman
• Gavin Gardner, Chanute High School, Eisenhower County Commissioner
• Braiden Moyer, Chanute High School, City of Schrag Councilman
• John Stanley, Chanute High School, Patton County Senator
• Mason Vietti, Chanute High School, Stater Radio
• Nolan Werner, Chanute High School, Eisenhower County Representative

66725 — Columbus

• Jarod Sheko, Columbus High School, City of Whorley Councilman

66734 — Farlington

• Michael Kmiec, Girard High School, Powell County Representative

66736 — Fredonia

• John Black, Neodesha High School, City of Lane Mayor

66739 — Galena

• Eric Boyes, Riverton High School, Kennedy County Highway Patrol Officer

66743 — Girard

• Trenton Brutchin, Girard High School, Patton County High School

66749 — Iola

• Eason Cheung, Iola High School, Department of Economy Official
• Shane Winner, Iola High School, Kennedy County Representative

66756 — Mulberry

• Colby McManis, Girard High School, City of Schrag Councilman
• Keatyn O’Dell, Northeast High School, City of Bley Councilman

66757 — Neodesha

• Elijah Deegan, Neodesha High School, City of Bluemke Councilman

66762 — Pittsburg

• Kyle Kubler, Frontenac High School, Stater Radio
• Chase Martin, Frontenac High School, Powell County Representative
• Thomas Spachek, St. Mary’s-Colgan High School, City of Schrag Councilman

66763 — Frontenac

• Daniel Balk, Northeast High School, City of Finley Councilman
• Tucker Jessip, Frontenac High School, Patton County Commissioner
• Kaleb Kroenke, Frontenac High School, City of Finley Councilman

66769 — Redfield

• Luke George, Uniontown High School, City of Johnson Councilman

66780 — Walnut

• Matthew Inman, Erie High School, Kennedy County Representative

66781 — Weir

• Johnny Goetting, St. Mary’s-Colgan High School, Patton County Commissioner

66833 — Allen

• Taj Bailey, Northern Heights High School, Powell County Commissioner

66842 — Cassoday

• Issac Bugner, Flinthills High School, City of Lane Councilman

66856 — Lebo

• * Quintin Combes, Lebo High School, City of Finley Councilman
  • Combes was Outstanding Citizen for the City of Finley

66858 — Lincolnville

• Jensen Riffel, Centre High School, Department of Natural Resources Official

66901 — Concordia

• Ivon Owen, Concordia High School, City of Klassen Councilman
• Jacob Williams, Concordia High School, City of Finley Councilman

66935 — Belleville

• Daniel Rieke, Republic County High School, City of Werring Councilman

66951 — Kensington

• Joseph Ferguson, Thunder Ridge High School, City of Bley Councilman

66967 — Smith Center

• Tanner Henrichs, Smith Center High School, Eisenhower County Commissioner
• Shelton Rothchild, Smith Center High School, Kennedy County Commissioner

67002 — Andover

• Samuel Baldwin, Andover Central High School, Kennedy County Commissioner
• Camden Baxter, Andover High School, Pershing County Senator and Senate Minority Leader
• Benjamin Canfield, Andover Central High School, City of Bley Councilman
• Lawson Vitosh, Classical School of Wichita, Pershing County Representative

67005 — Arkansas City

• Eli Eis, Ark City Christian Academy, City of Chastain Councilman
• Kyle Pfannenstiel, Arkansas City High School, Powell County Representative
• Braden Snider, Arkansas City High School, Department of Humanities Official

67008 — Atlanta

• Erik Moore, Central High School, City of Lane Councilman

67010 — Augusta

• Brice Helton, Augusta High School, City of Chastain Councilman
• Calvin Spellman, Augusta High School, City of Werring Councilman
• Brett Wendler, Augusta High School, City of Shelton Councilman
• * Joshua Woodsmall, Augusta High School, Department of Humanities Official
  • Woodsmall was the Outstanding Citizen for the City of Lane

67026 — Clearwater

• Alex Ast, Clearwater High School, City of Klassen Mayor

67037 — Derby

• Eric Matthews, Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School, Kennedy County Representative
• Sitivi Wong-Mageo, Derby High School, City of O’Leary Councilman

67042 — El Dorado

• Hayden Cannon, Circle High School, Powell County Commissioner
• Colton Gauthier, Flinthills High School, City of Gardner Councilman

67052 — Goddard

• Patrick Arnold, Eisenhower High School, Eisenhower County Commissioner

67062 — Hesston

• Jason Hecht, Hesston High School, City of Gardner Councilman

67068 — Kingman

• Ronald Heminway, Hutchinson High School, Patton County Representative

67101 — Maize

• Joshua Schlittenhardt, Morning Star Christian Academy, City of Lane Councilman

67108 — Mount Hope

• Robert Clear, Cheney High School, Eisenhower County Representative

67109 — Mullinville

• Ashlind Gumpenberger, Kiowa County High School, Patton County District Court Official

67114 — Newton

• Eli Blaufuss, Newton High School, Pershing County Senator and President of the Senate
• Jacob Haag, Newton High School, Powell County Commissioner

67117 — North Newton

• * Erik Jantz, Newton High School, City of Klassen Councilman
  • Jantz was the Outstanding Citizen for the City of Klassen

67118 — Norwich

• Grant Murray, Wichita South High School, Department of Humanities Official

67122 — Piedmont

• Peyton Nevil, West Elk High School, City of Werring Councilman

67132 — Rosalia

• * Braden Wight, Flinthills High School, Eisenhower County Senator
  • Wight was the Outstanding Citizen for the City of Bluemke

67133 — Rose Hill

• Zain Labidi, Rose Hill High School, Eisenhower County Senator

67135 — Sedgwick

• Joseph Agree, Sedgwick High School, Pershing County Representative
• Gavin Pore, Sedgwick High School, City of Johnson Councilman

67147 — Park City / Valley Center

• Cameron Maltz, Valley Center High School, Pershing County Commissioner
• Dakota Morgan, Valley Center High School, Eisenhower County Commissioner
• Jacob Strecker, Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School, Pershing County Representative

67152 — Wellington

• Austin Fink, Wellington High School, Patton County District Court Official
• John Long, Wellington High School, Kennedy County Representative

67204 / 67205 / 67206 / 67208 / 67209 / 67211 / 67212 / 67214 / 67217 / 67226 / 67228 / 67230 / 67235 — Wichita

• Valor Adair, Wichita Northeast Magnet High School, Department of Humanities Official
• Zachary Arensman, Wichita Northeast Magnet High School, Powell County Representative
• Britton Beggs, Maize High School, The Delegate News
• Aidan Bowen, Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School, City of Bley Councilman
• Benjamin Brake, Wichita Collegiate School, Patton County Representative and House of Representatives Majority Whip
• Christian Brautigam, Wichita Southeast High School, Patton County Commissioner
• Connor Bullock, Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School, City of Bluemke Mayor
• Andrew Chapman, Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School, Patton County Representative and House of Representatives Majority Leader
• Gage Christiansen, Maize High School, Department of Economy Official
• Thomas Dayley, Maize High School, Powell County Commissioner
• Eli Graham, Wichita Collegiate School, Boys State National Guard and City of Spigarelli Mayor
• Cayden Hague, Wichita East High School, Patton County Commissioner
• Cadwick Hanson II, Andover High School, Broadcast Media
• Ethan Knocke, Trinity Academy, City of Finley Councilman
• David Koster, Trinity Academy, Eisenhower County District Court Official
• Isaiah Krumme, Sunrise Christian Academy, Pershing County District Court Official
• * Dominic LiCastro, Eisenhower High School, Lieutenant Governor
  • LiCastro was the Outstanding Citizen for the City of Shelton
• Samuel Lipinski, Bishop Carroll Catholic High School, Eisenhower County Senator
• * Jackson Manske, Maize South High School, Commissioner of Insurance
  • Manske was the Outstanding Citizen for the City of Johnson
• Austin Miller, Wichita Collegiate School, Kennedy County Representative
• Peyton Montgomery, Eisenhower High School, Powell County Senator
• Jack Morrow, Bishop Carroll Catholic High School, Boys State National Guard
• Kenneth Mupendwa, Wichita East High School, Kennedy County District Court Official
• Nalin Ngo, Campus High School, Kennedy County District Court Official
• Andrew Nordberg, Trinity Academy, Powell County Representative
• Caleb Orr, Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School, City of Whorley Councilman
• Creighton Park, Sedgwick High School, Patton County District Court Official
• Jack Pirtle, Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School, City of Spigarelli Councilman
• Gage Pucket, Maize High School, City of Klassen Councilman
• Gabriel Ruder, Maize High School, Kennedy County Senator
• Mason Rusk, Wichita East High School, City of Whorley Councilman
• Logan Russell, Wichita East High School, City of Spigarelli Councilman
• Bode Sadd II, Valley Center High School, Powell County Commissioner
• Michael Sen, Campus High School, City of Bluemke Councilman
• Logan Snyder, Wichita East High School, City of Bley Councilman
• Malachi Watson, Andover High School, The Delegate News
• * Reagan Wetzel, Wichita Collegiate School, City of Spigarelli Councilman
  • Wetzel was the Outstanding Citizen for the City of Spigarelli

67207 — Eastborough / Wichita

• Samuel Hesse, Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School, Patton County Representative
• William Shropshire, Wichita Southeast High School, Pershing County Commissioner

67349 — Howard

• Tyler Black, West Elk High School, City of Chastain Councilman

67352 — Longton

• Elvis Bosley, Elk Valley High School, City of Johnson Councilman

67353 — Moline

• Caleb Walker, West Elk High School, Pershing County Commissioner
• Curtis Ware, West Elk High School, City of Lane Councilman

67357 — Parsons

• Holden Woodward, Erie High School, The Delegate News

67361 — Sedan

• Zachary Chrisman, Pershing County Commissioner

67401 — Salina

• Ethan Brown, Salina Central High School, Broadcast Media
• Dylan Henry, Salina South High School, City of Klassen Councilman
• Gavin Jones, Salina South High School, Kennedy County Senator
• Caleb Kline, Salina Central High School, Eisenhower County Representative
• Nick Rost, Salina Central High School, Kennedy County Commissioner
• Luke Stanford, Salina Central High School, Powell County Senator

67418 — Barnard

• * Trase McQueen, Beloit High School, Powell County District Court Official
  • McQueen was the Outstanding Citizen for the City of Werring

67428 — Canton

• Jade Stauffer, Home School, City of Thomson Councilman

67439 — Ellsworth

• Hayden Rogers, Ellsworth High School, Supreme Court Justice
• Gavin Tully, Ellsworth High School, Patton County Senator

67449 — Herington

• Adam Henely, Abilene High School, Kennedy County Senator

67457 — Little River

• Quinn McDonald, Lyons High School, Boys State National Guard

67460 — McPherson

• Zachary Wash, McPherson High School, Supreme Court Justice
  • Wash was elected to represent Kansas Boys State at Boys Nation

67487 — Wakefield

• Richard Dusheke, Wakefield High School, Pershing County Representative

67501 / 67502 — Hutchinson

• Zac Biel, Trinity Catholic High School, Department of Natural Resources Official
• Cooper Koestel, Hutchinson High School, Patton County Commissioner
• Kyser Meininger, Hutchinson High School, Department of Humanities Official
• Cole Nicks, Hutchinson High School, Eisenhower County Highway Patrol Officer
• Matthew Perry, Nickerson High School, Eisenhower County Representative
• Jackson Proett, Hutchinson High School, City of Schrag Councilman
• Seamus Wamsley, Hutchinson High School, Powell County Senator and Senate Majority Leader
• Robert Ybarra, Hutchinson High School, Pershing County Representative

67530 — Great Bend

• Dalton Dicks, Great Bend High School, Kennedy County Senator
• Hayden Honomichl, Great Bend High School, Department of Humanities Official
• Anthony Molina, Great Bend High School, City of Whorley Councilman
• Eli Witte, Great Bend High School, Patton County Commissioner

67546 — Inman

• Nicholas Martisko, Inman High School, Pershing County Representative

67550 — Larned

• Tristen Burger, Larned High School, City of Bluemke Councilman
• Jared Chipman, Larned High School, City of Thomson Mayor

67567 — Pawnee Rock

• Gabe Wolff, Macksville High School, Patton County Commissioner

67601 — Hays

• Levi Hickert, Hays High School, Patton County Senator
  • Hickert was the Kansas Boys State winner of the Samsung American Legion Scholarship

67642 — Hill City

• Michael Blanks, Hill City High School, Eisenhower County Representative

67661 — Phillipsburg

• Cole Wenzl, Phillipsburg High School, Stater Radio

67672 — WaKeeney

• Benjamin Anderson, Trego Community High School, Powell County Senator

67701 — Colby

• Cade Lanning, Colby High School, City of Finley Councilman

67753 — Rexford

• Joseph Yanez-Perez, Golden Plains High School, City of Werring Councilman

67880 — Ulysses

• Alexa Acosta, Ulysses High School, City of Spigarelli Councilman
• Kaden Jaquez, Ulysses High School, City of O’Leary Councilman
• Russell Wells, Ulysses High School, Kennedy County Commissioner

64012 — Belton, Mo

• Rhett Heide, St. Thomas Aquinas High School (Overland Park, Kan.), Patton County Representative

64064 — Lee’s Summit, Mo.

• Isaiah Walton, Lee’s Summit North High School, City of Bley Councilman

64832 — Asbury, Mo.

• * Colin O’Brien, St. Mary’s-Colgan High School (Pittsburg, Kan.), State Treasurer
  • O’Brien was the Outstanding Citizen for the City of Thomson

— #KSBoysState —

The American Legion Boys State of Kansas Leadership Academy is an interactive simulation that teaches high school seniors-to-be the value of democracy and civic duty. Participants form mock governments and campaign for positions at the city, county and state levels. After the elections, participants find out firsthand the difficult decisions made daily by those in government through a series of challenging simulations. Delegates, nominated to attend by their high school counselors and other influential people in their lives, are sponsored by American Legion posts and various civic organizations from across the state. All delegates demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities in student government, athletics and/or other activities.

The Boys State program was founded by Legionnaires Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card in Illinois in 1935, and was first held in Kansas two years later in Wichita. The Kansas program moved to the University of Kansas in Lawrence in 1963 and remained there until 1991. The following year, it moved to its current location at Kansas State University in Manhattan. For more information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas Leadership Academy, visit http://kansasboysstate.com/ or http://bsla.info/old/.