Submitted

MANHATTAN — More than 450 young men from across the State of Kansas, all of whom will enter their senior year of high school this fall, participated in the 2015 session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas Leadership Academy. The event, in its 78th year, was held May 31 through June 6 at Kansas State University in Manhattan.

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, Bryce Johnston, a resident of Leawood, Kan., and a senior-to-be at Kansas City Christian School in Prairie Village, Kan., was elected Boys State of Kansas governor. In addition Alexander Trobough, a Kansas City, Kan., resident and a senior-to-be at Sumner Academy of Arts and Science, and Rese Wynn, also of Kansas City, Kan., from Piper High School, were elected to represent the Boys State of Kansas at Boys Nation this summer, Friday, July 17, through Friday, July 24, at Marymount University in Arlington, Va.

The 2016 American Legion Boys State of Kansas Leadership Academy is scheduled to be held June 5-10 again at Kansas State University. For information on becoming a delegate, click HERE.

Delegates from northwest Kansas included (Delegates denoted with a star (*) were elected by their Kansas Boys State city as its outstanding citizen):

Smith Center
• Cody Carder, Smith Center High School, City of Gardner City Official

Wilson
• Heath Cox, Wilson High School, People for the American Way Political Action Committee

Great Bend
• Ryan Broeder, Hoisington (Kan.) High School, Pershing County Commissioner
• Josiah Caspers, Ellinwood (Kan.) High School, Department of Human Services
• Jacob Dearman, Great Bend High School, Department of Tourism and Culture
• Trey Ibarra, Great Bend High School, Bradley County Commissioner
• Christian Rivas, Great Bend High School, Department of Justice
• Benjamin Witte, Great Bend High School, Kennedy County State Representative
• Sam Witte, Great Bend High School, Department of Tourism and Culture

Hays
• Hunter Perryman, Hays High School, Highway Patrol
• * Scott Ring, Hays High School, Pershing County Commissioner

Dorrance
• Patrick Kepka, Thomas More Prep-Marian High School, Farmers Alliance Political Action Committee

Lenora
• James Berry, Norton Community High School, Secretary of Health and Environment

Natoma
• Dean Masters, Natoma High School, Assembly for the Advancement of Minorities Political Action Committee

Norton
• Kyle Bell, Norton Community High School, City of Finley City Official

Phillipsburg
• * Donovan Lumpkin, Phillipsburg High School, King County State Representative

Russell
• Jacob Sellens, Russell High School, Kennedy County Commissioner

Bird City
• Devon Janicke, Cheylin High School, MacArthur County State Representative
• Ivan Kemp, Cheylin High School, Powell County Commissioner

McDonald
• Reece Leonard, Cheylin High School (Bird City, Kan.), Secretary of Agriculture

Scott City
• Josh Becker, Scott Community High School, Kennedy County State Senator
• * Nicholas Storm, Scott Community High School, Patton County Commissioner

For more information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas Leadership Academy, click HERE.