Thomas represents Lovell at Wyoming Boys State

Incoming Lovell High School senior Jacob Thomas recently had the opportunity to attend Boys State at the University of Wyoming in Laramie.

Boys State is a week-long summer camp sponsored by the American Legion that is available for incoming seniors from all around Wyoming. Participants learn about how the government works at the camp. There are classes and hands-on experiences all throughout the week to help attendees learn more about leadership and being an overall better person.

Thomas first learned about the opportunity to attend Boys State from his parents, Jim and Marie Thomas.

“They knew what it was about and thought it would be good for me,” Thomas said. “Although at first I was not wildly excited about going, I realized that my parents were right and that it was really good.”

One of the hands-on opportunities for Boys State attendees is to form different political parties and run for offices in their mock government. This experience was built to help students get better at campaigning and public speaking. Running or helping run a mock government was also designed to help students understand more thoroughly about team leadership. There were many positions to campaign for throughout the week, and Thomas opted to run for county coroner.

“I ran for county coroner partially because I didn’t know much about that office compared to other offices,” Thomas said. “I ended up learning quite a bit.”

As part of his Boys State experience, Thomas was able to meet Cynthia Lummis and John Barasso, Wyoming’s senators. From meeting them, Thomas learned more about leadership from their experiences.

When asked if he wants to pursue a career in politics after high school, Thomas shared, “Politics isn’t something I think I’d ever be interested in after I graduate, but I think it’s something that more people should understand and appreciate because it is really kind of cool.”

Thomas came away with a positive feeling about American Legion Boys State.

“I thought it was super fun and would definitely go again,” he said, “not just for the things you learn, but also for the experience and for the friends you get to make.”