California Boys & Girls State Has a Bright Future

PoliticsEducation

Jul 19

California Governor Gavin Newsom swore in the newly elected California Boys & Girls State Governor, Ilir Traga, before addressing all 900 delegates. Photo credit Charles Ommanney, Office of the Governor

This year, the California Boys & Girls State program once again brought 900 rising high school seniors together from across the state to California State University’s Sacramento campus. The 86-year-old American Legion program tasked 16 and 17-year-olds with forming a fully functioning state government within a week. Unlike previous years, however, California Governor Gavin Newsom surprised the delegates to personally swear in the Boys & Girls State’s elected governor.

“Newsom’s office said he wanted to come out and visit the kids,” said Tim Aboudara, Sr., Chief Counselor of American Legion Boys & Girls State. “He gave one of the best sets of remarks by a politician that were not political.”

Newsom is the first Governor to visit California Boys & Girls State since Arnold Schwarzenegger’s last appearance in 2006. Aboudara felt that without media coverage, Newsom was able to speak more openly with the delegates. He shared his experiences with dyslexia and his thoughts on citizenship, leadership, and overcoming obstacles.

“Citizenship is not just voting,” Newsom said to the 900 assembled delegates. “Society becomes how we behave.”

The behavior of this year’s delegates was exemplary. Seven delegates—four girls and three boys—were given the Boys & Girls State Outstanding Citizen Award. All recipients received a medallion that they can wear at their graduation ceremonies, if they wish.

Two of the boys given this award were selected to represent California at Boys Nation, and a third boy was selected to be an alternate for the program. Boys Nation allows the top participants in each of the 50 Boys State programs (49 states and Washington, D.C.) to come together and form a mock federal government in our nation’s capital.

This is only the program's second year allowing girls to participate. There was a five percent increase in female delegates (350) compared to last year. The girls who earned the Outstanding Citizen Award are not eligible for Girls Nation, the alternative program to Boys Nation run by the American Legion Auxiliary for girls. Girls Nation is only open to California Girls State participants.

Aboudara, who was honored for his 50th year participating in the program, was once a delegate himself. He is still close to some of the friends he made back then.

“I looked at the kids and I thought, ‘52 years ago I was sitting where they’re sitting,’” he said. “We tell the kids that you will meet people that will stay part of your lives forever, and it’s true.”

Regarding the future of Boys & Girls State, Aboudara is keenly aware that the program’s longevity is no accident. He says the key to maintaining the program is staying relevant.

“You can become not relevant overnight,” Aboudara said. “The challenge for me personally to stay relevant to the kids has kept me more open-minded to try new things. That challenge is always in front of us—to stay relevant to the kids.”

This approach echoes Newsom’s address to the delegates.

“The future is not in front of you,” said Newsom. “It’s inside of you.”

Delegates from Irvine continued the tradition of learning and growing through the Boys & Girls State program. See more below.

Toby Forster

School: University High School

Positions: I was one of the Deputy Attorney Generals.

Best memory from Boys & Girls State: My best memories from Boys and Girls State are definitely getting to hang out with my city. I met a lot of amazing friends there and I’m really grateful I got to hang out with them the whole week.

One thing you would do differently?: If I could have done one thing differently, I would have wanted to run for something earlier. The earlier you get a position, the sooner you get to start doing stuff at CBGS.

Something you learned about politics, about yourself, or about life in general: Something I learned about politics was just how competitive it really is. Elections are super exciting and crazy, and with everyone running, things can get really intense.

Best advice for future Boys & Girls State participants: My best advice would be for delegates to run for a position as early as they can.

Minjae (Jaden) Kim

School: Orange County School of the Arts

Positions: I was elected for the State Assembly. Within the assembly, I then served as the Chair of the Economics committee.

Best memory from Boys & Girls State: My favorite memory from Boys and Girls State was discussing world issues on the second day of the program at lunch with a group of newfound friends I'd met minutes before. This moment was significant for me because it was then when I truly realized the variety of perspectives and backgrounds I was surrounded by, given that I’ve only lived in Orange County for most of my life. One guy’s family had been in the agriculture industry in central California for five generations. Another’s family are socialites in LA, while another student’s parents immigrated to the United States after escaping a concentration camp in eastern Europe. I am a Korean-American student who has toured 10 different countries performing with the violin. With this group of people of all different ethnic, socioeconomic, and political backgrounds, we spent an hour and a half at the table discussing our perspectives on various issues of our world, sharing our unique experiences of life, and wholeheartedly agreeing and disagreeing with each other. What I loved most was that everyone was willing to listen-we all left with at least one fresh idea or changed opinion about something we talked about, whether that was a topic related to the environment or an issue that revolves around our society. It reiterated for me not only the importance of exposing yourself to new environments, but also the value of a genuine conversation and a willingness to listen to others.

One thing you would do differently?: I think the one thing I would have done differently is the style of my speeches. I learned a valuable lesson here, too - to recognize and address appropriately the type of audience you are talking to. Some of the people elected ultimately were chosen not for a particularly brilliant set of ideas or solutions, but because of a unique talent, witty humor, or charisma on stage. I drastically underestimated this aspect, and if I were to repeat this program, I’d alter the delivery of my speeches.

Something you learned about politics, about yourself, or about life in general: I learned the importance of having a diverse group of voices. Even within the assembly, the sheer amount of changes and solutions that could be made to one bill was at times, exasperating (we once discussed a single bill for an entire morning and afternoon), but it was all meant with good intentions - to put forth our best ideas for the delegates of the program. Ultimately, a lackluster bill forms into a great one, compiled together by the many ideas that came from individuals that make up the assembly.

Best advice for future Boys & Girls State participants: This program gathers some of California’s best community leaders and model students together into one place. I would strongly recommend talking to as many people as possible, and to become friends with the people who share your passion and drive.

Louise Macatula

School: Northwood High School

Positions: I ran for Supreme Court Justice but then I got sick. The nurse said it was probably because of dehydration and germs passed from all the kids. I was sick for about half of the program, so I spent one and a half days in my room, resting. The staff and the nurse were incredibly kind and understanding. My roommate and friends from my city were also super nice and thoughtful. I ate meals with them and my roommate gave me Tylenol. By the end of the week, I felt fine.

Best memory from Boys & Girls State: My favorite memory of CBGS was the inaugural program at the university union. One of my favorite things about the program is how students like myself who are interested in leadership and politics gather for a week. I felt a sense of community and unity especially during meetings at the university union because that is one of the only times everyone at CBGS is together. The inaugural program was an especially significant event for me because I enjoyed seeing the state members getting sworn in and getting to hear Governor Newsom give us a speech about the importance of making mistakes and civic responsibility in our communities.

One thing you would do differently?: Unfortunately, I got sick during the program, so I wasn't able to properly campaign for Supreme Court Justice. That was really unfortunate because I didn't feel physically well enough to run for other positions or be as outgoing as I wanted to. If I could do the program again, I would definitely run for more positions and talk to more people in my county and during meal times.

Something you learned about politics, about yourself, or about life in general: Before this program, I had very little knowledge of the state government or court system. Studying for the bar helped me gain an understanding and appreciation for the different positions on the city, county, and state level.

Best advice for future Boys & Girls State participants: In my experience, a lot of delegates going to CBGS don't really have a deep understanding of what will happen during the program, and that is ok! Once you get there, I encourage you to meet as many people as possible and make friends.

Aiden Yim

School: Arnold O. Beckman High School

Positions: District Attorney

Best memory from Boys & Girls State: Beating the State of California in its first criminal trial against me.

One thing you would do differently?: Shoot for the stars and try for a bigger position.

Something you learned about politics, about yourself, or about life in general: I can do anything

Best advice for future Boys & Girls State participants: Have fun.

Hannah Cho

School: Northwood High School

Positions: I ran for and was elected as the State Superintendent of Public Instruction! I was also appointed as a Media Photography Editor, where I co-supervised photographers and co-hosted a 12 A.M. Midnight podcast.

Best memory from Boys & Girls State: Due to the unavailability of Coca-Cola (my favorite drink ever), my best friend at the program and I became very fond of Mountain Dew. We still joke about our ventures to various cities to buy Mountain Dew and other snacks from the vending machines.

Although Mountain Dew was so refreshing during our packed days, meeting Governor Newsom was definitely a highlight of my experience at Boys & Girls State. I got cool photos with him (including a group 0.5) and veterans on stage during the state officers inauguration.

One thing you would do differently?: Going into the program, I had the mentality of wanting to maximize my experience by truly enjoying my week, creating genuine friendships, believing in myself, and going with the flow. This mentality enabled me to have a 10/10 experience. However, if I could do anything differently, it would be to run for Party Chair or Secretary.

Also… I would drink less Mountain Dew!

Something you learned about politics, about yourself, or about life in general: Boys & Girls State served as a testament to how much I loved government and allowed me to realize that I thrive in spaces where I can challenge myself and the norms. Going into the program, I already had an enthusiasm for government and politics. However, the conversations I had, the people I met, the speeches I heard, and the speakers and veterans I met truly solidified that enthusiasm and my future career trajectory.

Best advice for future Boys & Girls State participants:

Here’s a list:

Bring a water bottle—refill it in the cafeteria during meal times (some cities might tax water fountains)
Check weather for the week of the program before packing
Honestly, there really isn’t a need to bring extra shirts or tops (unless you want to change into them during recreation but no one really does) because they give you two program t-shirts and a collared shirt that you’re expected to wear daily
Don’t be afraid to sue—makes the experience more fun!
CBGS is still super fun as a citizen—running for positions and campaigning is fun but don’t stress if that’s not really your thing or if you don’t win anything
Take lots of photos
Bring snacks from home
Bring extra money for vending machine snacks and drinks
Make sure to enjoy the experience!

Lucas Zhang

School: Sage Hill School

Positions: I ran for State Controller and came runner-up.

Best memory from Boys & Girls State: One of my best memories at CBGS was when my city (City of Alcorn) won the Model City Award. It was a very controversial win, as the other cities were booing. In the meantime, we were shocked to process the win because our city caused the mistrial of removing the Lieutenant Governor to reach the Supreme Court. It was definitely a highlight as we walked back to our dorms chanting while the other cities continuously booed. They were mad because "they not like us."

One thing you would do differently?: One thing I would do differently is focus on getting to know more people and taking more photos. I felt that since I prioritized campaigning and writing speeches so much, I couldn't get to know the other delegates well, especially those outside my city. Regarding the photos, I realized I had difficulty finding good photos when making my Instagram story.

Something you learned about politics, about yourself, or about life in general: I learned that positions were won by genuineness.

Best advice for future Boys & Girls State participants: Be open to all opportunities.

Keith Jung

School: Crean Lutheran High School

Positions: I initially ran for Supreme Court but had some complications. I then helped a friend run for Lt. Governor as his campaign manager.

Best memory from Boys & Girls State: The police slamming on our door yelling that they have a warrant for his arrest, because someone filed a lawsuit against him. This was prior to the election and it was because my friend had run a stop sign set up by Cenoz county. It was really minor and they ended up not giving him anything but it was really funny. When he got caught running it, the officers told him to stop so he booked it and ran to his dorm.

One thing you would do differently?: Advocate for myself, There were some system issues that prevented me from running for the positions that I really wanted and with hindsight I should have seen what I could have done, but was too hesitant to speak and ask for any alternatives due to my situation.

Something you learned about politics, about yourself, or about life in general: People aren't necessarily always rational. Parties separate us despite having similar values and beliefs. The louder and more extremist speeches that are humorous win over the duller more reasoned ones. The ballots tend to favor charisma over innate abilities.

Best advice for future Boys & Girls State participants: Be loud, don't be the person who no one knows. Get to know people, be unique, and deliver zealous speeches. People don't care enough if you happen to make mistakes but they will care if you succeed, so be the leading voice.