Two Catholic high school teens attend Boys State

Friday, Sep. 04, 2015

OGDEN — Sean Edwards, a senior at Juan Diego Catholic High School, and Sean Lambourne, a senior from Judge Memorial Catholic High School, attended Boys State at Weber State University June 7-12. 

The American Legion started Boys State in 1935 to provide an educational understanding of how and why the United States form of government works the way it does, and to teach the students their responsibility as citizens in supporting the government. Boys State is open to boys between their junior and senior years of school. The week-long experience gives boys an opportunity to participate in mock elections on city, county and state levels; they elect officials to positions within the government.

“We bring in speakers such as attorneys, politicians, the governor or lieutenant governor, and officials on the city, county and state levels of government to explain what they do on a daily basis,” said Bob Jones, Boys State president. 

By the end of the first day, the boys have set up a full city government, said Jones. “From that point they govern themselves, and the advisors step back into advisory roles,” he said.

Edwards learned a lot about the government, especially the voting process, he said. “I just turned 18 and I can vote. We voted in our mock cities, state and nationally. I was elected a state delegate.” 

The boys also participated in team sports events, discussed things they wanted to do in their city and laws they wanted to make. 

Edwards was interested in the speakers presented at Boys State, including U.S. Congressman Rob Bishop, who told the boys that they should be involved in their local community government, Edwards said. “Voting and getting involved in service projects, having and accomplishing small goals are important.”

Lambourne learned about attending Boys State from his godfather, who had attended. “My father researched it and was adamant about sending me,” he said. “I decided to see what it was about; my experience was incredible after thinking I would be out of my element the first day. I started making friends right away.” 

Lambourne was elected city attorney and county attorney, he said. “Campaigning was kind of interesting; making a speech that would make myself appeal to other people was something I didn’t think I would be able to do. It gave me confidence.”

Lambourne was inspired by attorneys who spoke about the law as he is considering becoming a lawyer, he said, adding that he also gained insight from Democratic and Republican speakers who gave political views. He particularly liked hearing how the attorneys made their way up the employment ladder, and how political officials have to appeal to voters to get elected. 

“I find that important because I will be able to participate in the next election,” he said, adding that it was interesting to see the candidates’ perspective. “I feel more politically involved and more like a leader now that I’ve attended Boys State.”