Llano student learns intricacies of government at Texas Boys State
Llano High School student Easton West (left) meets Libertarian candidate for Texas governor Katherine Glass during his week at Texas Boys State. During the program, West and 935 other future leaders learned about state government and other civic duties. Courtesy photo
FROM STAFF REPORTS
KINGSLAND — When Easton West arrived in Austin for the start of Texas Boys State on June 10, he was taking a journey that has helped Lone Star State youth learn the inner workings of the Capitol since 1935.
West, the son of Joey and Donna West and a Llano High School student, participated in the American Legion Boys State program along with 935 other Texas youth. The unique program educates future leaders about government, civics and patriotism in a “learning-by-doing” environment. Each delegate has just finished his junior year. The students, teachers, counselors and local American Legion Posts select the youth for the one-week seminar.
West said the experience was positive.
“We learned a great deal of leadership and the mechanics of government,” he said.
Part of the program includes the youth splitting up into two fictional parties, the Nationalists and the Federalists, and drafting their own party platforms. They also elect party officials and hold candidate primaries with the party winners facing the rival party’s candidate.
Easton presented a nomination speech that eventually helped him land the mayor’s seat for the fictional town of Sherwood.
During the week, Easton led the city and organized its activities. It was a good foray into a leadership role. And Easton learned important aspects of leadership.
“We learned, as leaders, that people will always look up to you, so you can’t let them down,” he said.
In his role as mayor, Easton met several state senators and other Texas dignitaries.
During the week, the Texas Boys State participants even sat in the Capitol chambers, where they crafted, debated and voted on mock legislation.
The week wrapped up June 14 with a morning parade from the University of Texas to the Capitol. After the parade, Gov. Rick Perry spoke with the Texas Boys State participants.
But one of the biggest lesson’s Easton learned is one of the most fundamental parts of democracy.
“I think one of the most important things I learned was the importance of voting,” he said.
Go to www.texasboysstate.com for more on Texas Boys State.
editor@thepicayune.com