Volume 81, Issue 1
First Impressions of Buckeye Boys State By Jack Treinish III The first day of American Legion Buckeye Boys State (ALBBS) is often confusing and very intimidating for attendees. The fast-paced activities build relationships among delegates and determine their roles for the coming days. Charles Cindric of Avon Lake began Sunday morning with a long drive to Miami University, the three-year home of ALBBS. Upon arrival, he said he received a “friendly welcoming” from other attendees and hopped right into the Boys State community. Each attendee checked in at Millet Hall, Miami’s basketball arena, then made their way to the residence halls, met their roommate and unpacked. The American Legion organizes housing so the roommates are opposite political parties. This not only strengthens the relationship between roommates, but also forces individuals to make friends within their party. The “Boys Staters” then went to the first of many city meetings. Attendees were then able to specialize and join activities such as playing in the ALBBS band or beginning the campaign process. The boys then partook in the first official city caucus and selected their City Party Chairman. Under his leadership, they then elected their Secretary, Delegates and alternates. Next on the itinerary
was dinner. Each meal is divided into “feeds,” which is how the staff of Miami is able to feed around 1000 young men in about an hour.
Monday, June 10th, 2019
As a part of third feed, Joshua Waters was able to admire the university and said it’s a “beautiful campus” and he can’t complain about his housing arrangement in the newly built dormitory, Withrow Hall. At dinner, he especially enjoyed the pizza, which was served alongside noodles, General Tso's chicken, rice and spring rolls. The night ended with an evening program where the band played a number of songs just three hours after auditions. American Legion members, or Legionnaires, spoke at the assembly and set ground rules for the week in addition to introducing members of their staff. Among the speakers that night were an Ohio Senator, a retired Army Ranger and the mayor of Oxford. All spoke of the leadership and pride of the young men who come to American Legion Buckeye Boys State. The attitude of the program was seen in totality — from the attendees, to the counselors and legionnaires, the first day made it clear that Boys State’s motto, “A week to shape a lifetime,” was not exaggerated.
Delegates return from Millet Hall after an assembly. Photo by A ndrew Fogt.