LITTLE ROCK- Local students were elected by their peers to the State Senate and State House of Representatives on Tuesday, May 26, as part of the 85th annual session of Arkansas Boys State, where students build a mock government structure, including eight different congressional districts, each with three senators and 10 representatives.
More than 500 of the state’s brightest young men are attending Arkansas Boys State, an immersive leadership and civic engagement experience sponsored by the American Legion. This summer’s 85th annual session runs May 24-29 at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway.
During their week at Arkansas Boys State, these students, known as “delegates,” are assigned a political party, city, and county. Throughout the week, delegates, from the ground up, administer this mock government as if it were real: they run for office, draft and pass legislation, solve municipal challenges, and engage constituents. By the week’s end, the delegates have experienced civic responsibility and engagement firsthand while making life-long memories and friends.
Local students elected to the Arkansas Boys State legislature include:
J’Kari Gulley of Hope from Hope High School was elected as State Representative
Roland Schwope of Saratoga from Nashville High School was elected as State Representative
D’Aireion Franklin of Hope from Hope High School was elected as State Representative
By earning election to the Arkansas Boys State legislature, these local students will represent fellow delegates in the program’s legislature. They will take part in the legislative process by listening to constituents, discussing ideas with other elected delegates, considering policy proposals and helping shape the laws and priorities of the Arkansas Boys State government.
The legislative experience gives delegates a hands-on look at how representation works. Throughout the week, student lawmakers will consider the needs of their cities, counties and districts while working across perspectives to address challenges within the Arkansas Boys State simulation. The role calls on students to communicate clearly, think critically and make decisions with the broader community in mind.
“Election to the Arkansas Boys State legislature is a meaningful sign of trust from fellow delegates,” said Lloyd Jackson, executive director of Arkansas Boys State. “Whether serving in the House or Senate, these students are asked to listen, lead and take seriously the responsibility of representing others.”
The legislative experience will continue during Capitol Day, when Arkansas Boys State delegates travel to the Arkansas State Capitol in Little Rock. Student representatives and senators will convene in their respective chambers, allowing elected delegates like these local students to connect their work at Arkansas Boys State with the setting and traditions of public service in Arkansas.
Arkansas Boys State’s guiding theme is “Democracy Depends on Me.” Through election to the Arkansas Boys State legislature, these students will put that theme into action by representing peers, contributing to the legislative process and helping build a stronger Arkansas Boys State community.
Since 1940, Arkansas Boys State has helped prepare more than 60,000 alumni for lives of citizenship, public service and leadership. More information about Arkansas Boys State is available at arboysstate.org.
