Sam Schmidt recently returned from the American Legion Boys State of Kansas on June 3 to 9 on the campus of Kansas State University in Manhattan. Schmidt, who will be a senior at Thomas More Prep-Marian High School in the fall, was one of 470 boys who attended the week-long government and leadership program.

During the program, Schmidt was a member of the city of Bramlage in Bradley county and held the position of senator.

The Boys State program consists of an interactive simulation that teaches high school seniors-to-be the value of democracy and civic duty. Participants form mock governments and campaign for positions at the city, county and state level. After the elections, students find out first-hand the difficult decisions made daily by those in government through a series of challenging simulations.

Throughout the week, the delegates also heard from many influential speakers. This year's keynote address was delivered by 1970 Boys Stater and current Senate Minority leader Anthony Hensley. Other speakers included Appellate Court Judge Joe Pierron, Attorney General Derek Schmidt, State Senator Roger Reitz and Motivational Speaker Dustin Galyon. Students heard from Kansas Governor Sam Brownback and voted to name him an honorary 75th anniversary Boys Stater.

Delegates are sponsored by American Legion Posts from throughout Kansas as well as various civic organizations. All delegates demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities in student government, athletics or other activities and were nominated to attend by school counselors and influential people in their lives.

Nominations for next year's session can be submitted online via the Kansas Boys State website at www.ksbstate.org.