DCHS Student Makes it To Boys Nation

Junior John Hopkins returns to school with a whole new perspective on politics and policy making.

He was one of only 100 male students from across the United States to be sent from the Boys State program to be a delegate to Boys Nation in Washington, D.C. Sponsored by the American Legion, Boys Nation educates young leaders about the structure and function of federal government.

“I really enjoyed debating and sharing my Christian perspective on issue that define who we are as a country,” John said.

Each delegate acted as a senator from his state. The young lawmakers caucused at the beginning of the session, then they organized into committees to conduct hearings on bills submitted by program delegates. For instance, John wrote legislation to protect the borders through a national security program called SBINet.

The week of government training also included lectures, forums and visits to federal agencies, institutions, memorials and historical sites. On Capitol Hill, Boys Nation senators met with elected officials from their home states.

The American Legion Auxiliary program also organizes a summer leadership and citizenship program called Girls State leading to Girls Nation. This year, the two female students representing DCHS at Girls State in June were Maeghan Bourne and Jordyn Gum.

“We feel very honored that for the first time we had representatives at both Boys State and Girls State,” Principal Kemmerling said. “John’s participation as a national leader speaks to the caliber of our program and how we prepare students to expand their knowledge and then articulate what they know.”