The Oklahoma American Legion recently gathered 290 delegates from across the state on the campus of Rogers State University in Claremore, Oklahoma, to participate in Oklahoma Boys State.
For an entire week, delegates were immersed in a government simulation where they were required to distinguish themselves as they campaigned for municipal and state government offices, led their cities, counties and states in writing and passing legislation, were part of a mock trial or fulfilled executive roles.
Delegates were also able to earn college credit for an upper-level political science course from Rogers State University. When not partic ipating in government, delegates participated in recreational activities in which cities battled against each other in combat soccer, volleyball, e-sports, or basketball.
Delegates also heard from many prominent speakers each day, including the Governor of Oklahoma, Lieutenant Governor, State Senators and State Representatives. The delegates from Pauls Valley High School included Justin Humphrey, Jack Hamilton, Parker Green and Nathan Chronister. Justin Humphrey is the son of Chris and Richelle Humphrey. While at Boys State, he was elected athletic director for his city, state warden, state highway commissioner and head of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations for Boys State. Justin provided protection detail for the Lieutenant Governor of Boys State. Jack Hamilton is the son of Matt and Joni Hamilton and was sponsored by the American Legion out of Mustang, Oklahoma. Jack was elected a squad leader and public defender for his city and also appointed a State Supreme Court Justice. Parker Green is the son of Heath and Courtney Green, and he was also sponsored by the American Legion out of Mustang, Oklahoma. At Boys State, Parker was elected to the city council. Parker was awarded the Chauncy Witcraft Award for the Delegate whose Academic Performance ranks highest in his city and the Oklahoma National Guard Excellence in Leadership Award.Nathan Chronister is the son of Chad and Alaina Chronister. Nathan was sponsored by the American Legion out of Hartshorne, Oklahoma, along with Bill and Jeanie Menefee of Pauls Valley. Nathan was elected city treasurer, city athletic director, county treasurer and state treasurer. He was awarded the Dr. HV Thornton Award to the delegate whose performance of Good Citizenship ranks highest in his city. All four boys will be seniors at Pauls Valley High School this fall.
