June 10, 2022 — Two delegates from the 2022 session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas have been elected by their peers to represent Kansas Boys State as senators at Boys Nation this summer.
Lukas Haase, a resident of Overland Park, Kan., and a senior-to-be at Blue Valley Southwest High School, and Konnor Quinn-Colman, a resident of Leavenworth, Kan., and a senior-to-be at Leavenworth High School, will attend Boys Nation, Friday, July 22 through Saturday, July 30, at Marymount University in Arlington, Va. The announcement was made this evening during an assembly at Kansas State University in Manhattan.
Roman Johnson, a resident of Lansing, Kan. and a senior-to-be at Leavenworth High School, and Gunnar McLean, home schooled senior-to-be, Hoenfels, Germany (via El Dorado, Kan.), were selected as first alternate and second alternate, respectively.
At Boys Nation, Haase and Quinn-Colman will join representatives from each of the 49 Boys State programs across the country (Hawaii does not have a Boys State program) to receive an education on the structure and function of federal government. At the event, each delegate acts as a senator from his Boys State. The young lawmakers caucus at the beginning of the session, then organize into committees and conduct hearings on bills submitted by program delegates. Senators learn the proper method of handling bills, according to U.S. Senate rules. Participation in the political process is emphasized throughout the week, including organization of party conventions, and nominating and electing a president and vice president.
The week of government training also includes lectures, forums and visits to federal agencies, national shrines, institutions, memorials and historical sites. On Capitol Hill, Boys Nation senators meet with elected officials from their home states.
Young men from across the State of Kansas, all of whom will enter their junior or senior year of high school this fall, are participating in this year’s session of the ALBSK. The event, in its 84th year, started Sunday (June 5) and concludes tomorrow (Saturday, June 11). This year marks the 30th consecutive Kansas Boys State session at KSU.
The American Legion Boys State of Kansas 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.