May 31, 2019 — Approximately 420 young men from across the State of Kansas, all of whom will be entering their senior year of high school this fall, are anticipated to participate in the 2019 session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas Leadership Academy. The event, in its 82nd year, will be held Sunday, June 2, through Friday, June 7, at Kansas State University in Manhattan.
The ALBSKLA provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.
Among the major events and special speakers during the week (all events are open to the public unless noted; members of the media are invited to attend all events).
- Sunday, June 2
o Opening Ceremonies, 2:45 p.m., McCain Auditorium
- Keynote speaker: Alejandro Rangel-Lopez, 2018 Kansas Boys State delegate from Dodge City High School and 2019 graduate of DCHS. Rangel-Lopez, who will serve as a KBS departments counselor for this year’s session, was a plaintiff in a voting rights lawsuit in October 2018 against the Ford County (Kan.) when it was announced the only voting site in Dodge City the following month would be at a location outside the city limits.
- Monday, June 3
o Swearing in of KBS mayors, 7 p.m., Assembly Area (Marlatt Hall parking lot [northeast of building on Claflin Road])
o Party Caucuses, 7:45 to 10:15 p.m., Cardwell Hall, Room 101 (Federalist Party [considered to be the more conservative party]), and Umberger Hall, Room 105 (Nationalist Party [considered to be the more liberal party]) — Each party will select their candidates for the six state offices and formulate their party platforms.This is not open to the public.
- Tuesday, June 4
o KBS National Guard training at Fort Riley, Kan., 8:45 to 11:30 a.m. This is not open to the public.
o KBS Governor candidates’ debate, 1 to 2 p.m., Wefald Hall
o Announcement of KBS general election winners for state offices and swearing in ceremony, 7 p.m., Assembly Area
- Wednesday, June 5
o KBS Governor’s Inaugural Address, Talent Show and keynote speaker, Adrion Roberson, 7:15 p.m., McCain Auditorium
- Roberson is on the core teaching team at the Kansas Leadership Center based in Wichita as a facilitator of adaptive thinking competencies for the purpose of helping individuals make progress in/on daunting challenges. He also serves as co-pastor of Berean Fellowship Church in Kansas City, Kan.
- Thursday, June 6
o Flag Retirement Ceremony, 7:15 p.m., World War II Memorial in front of McCain Auditorium
o KBS Band and Chorus Concerts, followed by Boys Nation candidates’ speeches, 7:45 p.m., McCain Auditorium
- Friday, June 7
o Closing Ceremonies, noon to 2 p.m., McCain Auditorium
- Announcement of Boys Nation senators
- Announcement of Outstanding Citizens from each KBS city