Tennessee Governor Bill Lee addressed this year’s Boys State delegation at their closing ceremony at Tennessee Tech Friday morning.
Boys State welcomes high school juniors from across the state to participate in a week-long government simulation. The delegates are divided into their own cities and elect officers for the week. Lee said Boys State participants are the next generation of leaders, and addressing them was an honor.
“I think it’s important for them to hear from leadership from all across the state,” Lee said. “To be able to just encourage them that civics, government, engagement in leadership, those things matter. Leadership matters.”
The American Legion sponsors Boys State, and delegates are selected by school councellors. Two Boys State delegates are selected to participate in Boys Nation, a larger version of Boys State with high school juniors from across the country.
One of Tennessee’s Boys Nations delegates is Cooper Castle, who was elected governor of this year’s Boys State. Castle said he campaigned on strong policy and prioritized building relationships. Castle said passing legislation was challenging at times, but he enjoyed working with the delegates.
“[Boys State] has brought me together with a great group of guys from across Tennessee,” Castle said. “You’re looking at the next generation of leaders. You’re looking at your next representatives, your Congressmen, your Senators.”
Castle said he has a busy few weeks ahead with stops at Turning Point USA and Four Star Leadership before Boys Nation.
Dan Wiley is the leading candidate for the American Legion’s National Commander. Wiley said the American Legion prioritizes investing in the youth.
“We try to educate our youth in regards to government, the Constitution, and how to be a good citizen,” Wiley said. “That’s why [Boys State] is important to the American Legion. This is the future of our country, and it’s important to educate them, train them, and make sure they’re good citizens.”
The closing ceremony was held in the Hooper Eblen Center on Tennessee Tech’s campus. In addition to Governor Lee, members of the American Legion and Tech faculty members also addressed the delegates and their families.
