Running for pretend office, he gave a speech in front of 2400 eyes.
Senior Owen Adam was nominated to attend Texas Boys State in June at the University of Texas in Austin.
“When I was nominated for Texas Boy’s State, I was nervous,” Adam said. “I was skeptical about it at first because I had never heard about it.”
Counselor Tasha Garcia said someone from the Dallas area reached out to her concerning Texas Boys State.
“We can nominate one junior boy every year as long as we continue to have a sponsor,” Garcia said. “It was a pretty big deal.”
The American Legion sponsors Boys State where each student becomes a part of the operation of a fictional local, county and state government. Upon arrival at Boys State, each citizen is assigned to one of two “fictional” political parties, which are the “Nationalists” and the “Federalists”. Adam was assigned to the Federalist party.
“I participated in their debating, campaigning and delegating activities while I was there for the week,” Adam said.
Adam said he thought the experience was incredible.
“It was completely a good experience,” Adam said. “I got to learn the electorial voting processes from their program and be with exceptional people. I was able to take home a lot from my experience at Boys State. I was a able to talk to people a lot better, understand government and know how people think.”
Boys State was an opportunity for Adam to bond.
“I would say the experience was like no other, like boot camp,” Adam said. “I made a lot of good friends.”
Operated by students elected to various offices, Boys State activities included legislative sessions, court proceedings, law-enforcement presentations with access to assemblies, bands, choruses and recreational programs.
“I had to run for pretend office,” Adam said. “I had to get at least 100 signatures and campaign for eight hours for four districts in front of 1200 people.”
Adam ran for pretend railroad commissioner, using skills he gained as a member of the SHS speech team. He won the office.
“To be successful you need to be personable, charismatic and, most of all, you need the ability to read people,” Adam said. “I wanted to do the best I could. My motivation was drive and passion.”
