Every year, Pembroke Hill sends a couple of rising seniors to American Legion Missouri Boys State (MBS). MBS is one of the most respected programs of government instruction for U.S. high school students. At MBS, participants learn the rights, privileges and responsibilities of citizens. The educational aspect of the program centers on the structure of city, county and state governments. MBS activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law-enforcement presentations, assemblies, and sports like basketball and cross country.

This summer, Seniors Auggie Bash, Theodore Casey, Matthew Newbold, and Johnny Honnold attended MBS, and they represented Pembroke well. Johnny, Auggie, and Matthew were all elected to the Senate where they wrote and passed their own laws, and Theodore was elected as a County Clerk where he maintained records of all county governmental actions. Johnny was also elected to the position of Federalist Party Chair. In this role, he unified the party behind its candidates and led the joint party rally. Getting elected to this position was an integral part of Johnny being selected as one of Missouri’s two delegates to Boys Nation.

Boys Nation is a separate program from Boys State where two representatives from each of the 50 Boys States represent their state at Boys Nation in Washington, where the young leaders receive instruction on the structure and function of the federal government.

At the event, Johnny acted as a senator from Missouri. Throughout the session from July 19-26, all of the senators caucused, organized into committees and conducted hearings on bills submitted by the students. Johnny’s bill, which increased funding to the VA for mental healthcare for veterans,  passed unanimously.

Senators learned about the proper method of handling bills, according to the U.S. Senate rules. In fact, Johnny served on the calendar committee which decided which bills got sent to committee, and which bills died on the docket. Participation in the political process was also emphasized throughout the week, including organization of party conventions and nominating and electing a president and vice president. Johnny ran for president and reached the final stages of the primary election before losing on a vote of 26-24.

The best part of Boys Nation, though, was that Johnny and his fellow senators got to hear from important speakers like Vice President Kamala Harris and to visit federal agencies and national memorials like the Pentagon. On Capitol Hill Day, Johnny got to meet with Missouri Senators Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt.

For any students that are interested in politics, government, or even journalism, you ought to apply to Missouri Boys State next spring!