Garret Hoff, Class of 2018, was chosen as the American Legion Post 731 Boys State delegate for 2017, representing both Parker and the veterans association in Sacramento at the mock government program.
Boys State, and its counterpart Girls State, challenges high school juniors to become part of the operations of local and state governments in a week-long, simulated experience. Delegates are typically nominated by their schools and are sponsored by their local American Legion Post.
Delegates then travel to their state capitals where they run for offices in city, county, and statewide mock elections, draft legislation and sign it into law. Boys State candidates run campaigns as any politician would — taking out newspaper ads, putting up posters, and shaking hands with potential voters.
In addition to running political campaigns, Boys State activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law-enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, choruses and recreational programs.
Boys State 2017 took place in June at California State University, Sacramento. Garret, who leads the Young Republicans Club at Parker and has political aspirations of his own, said he loved his experience at Boys State and thanks the American Legion Post 731 for the opportunity.
“I give a lot of credit to the Post,” he said. “The vets are great. It’s a fun group of guys.”
Now halfway through his senior year, Garret is waiting to hear back from the colleges and universities he’s applied to, including the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Where he attends school may determine which political future he sees for himself.
“I’m just letting the process play out. I’m certainly excited for the future,” he said.
