Conway, Mooney selected to attend Boys State in June


Kee High School juniors Caleb Conway (left) and Jack Mooney (right) have been selected to attend Boys State June 11-16 this year in Johnston. They were selected by and are sponsored by the Lansing VFW Post 5981 and Lansing American Legion Post 50. Submitted photo.

Two Kee High School junior students, Jack Mooney and Caleb Conway, have been selected to attend the annual Boys State event being held at Fort Dodge in Johnston June 11-16 this year. Local selection of attendees is being sponsored by the Lansing Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 5981 and Lansing American Legion Post 50.

Jack Mooney is the son of Dan and Renee Mooney of rural New Albin. Caleb Conway is the son of Greg and Jenny Conway of rural Lansing.

Begun in 1938, Boys State is a six-day course in self government, consistently taught with a hands-on approach. The young men of 2017 Boys State, all of whom will have finished their junior year of high school, will be divided into 32 cities. Four cities constitute a county and eight counties make up Boys State. The cities are composed of members of the Nationalist and Federalist parties. The citizens within these cities hold party caucus meetings, conventions, campaigns and general elections.

Everyone has a job to fulfill at Boys State, either elected or appointed, from the governor and his staff to the Iowa State Patrol, to legislators, the mayor and his council. The color guard presents the colors – patriotism and duty to God and country are important elements at Boys State.

A daily newspaper employs reporters and photographers. The courts are supplied by their very own law school and dispense justice. The young men attending have a fully-functional Senate and House of Representatives. Musicians will find a Boys State Band and chorus led by directors.

Guided by an experienced set of administrators and counselors, Boys State is made possible each year though the dedicated work of Veterans and other concerned organizations which partner with the American Legion to send the best of their youth to Boys State. It takes Lansing American Legion, Lansing Veterans of Foreign Wars members and Kee High School teachers and staff to find the most interested and qualified boys.