Friday, September 10, 2010
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| 7/27/2010 8:20:00 AM |
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Winfield student selected to attend Boys Nation
Carolyn Harmon
For The Putnam Standard
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| Luke Miller, who will be a senior at Winfield High School this fall, attended the American Legion Boys State, in June, where he met Gov. Joe Manchin. Luke was elected to State Auditor. Of more than 300 boys, he was one of two selected to attend American Legion Boys Nation. Courtesy photo. |
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WINFIELD - When Karen Miller learned that her son, Luke, was selected to attend the American Legion Boys Nation, in Washington D.C. July 23-31, she was surprised.
"I thought there wasn't enough time to impress people enough to be selected," she said.
But Luke, a 17-year-old who will be a senior this fall at Winfield High School, has been impressing people his entire life.
He has played football since the second grade and is now quarterback of the team at Winfield. He is co-president of the school's Teen Age Republican (TARS) organization.
His Advanced Placement classes include a course in comparative government that was not offered by the school, which he completed on his own.
So far, he has completed eight AP classes and is first in his class, Karen said.
"That is quite a bit for a junior," she said.
Luke's interest in government began when he was younger and increased greatly with the last presidential election.
"I really started following it more, learning more about the different aspects of politics," Luke said.
"Every decision they make - everyday, affects your life. They are in control everyday. From that perspective it interested me, and I want to follow the policies and changes they implement and how they use that power."
His political interest led him to attend the American Legion Boys State, in June.
American Legion Boys State is a program that teaches the workings of government while developing leadership skills and an appreciation for rights as an American citizen.
As a participant in the program, Luke sought and was elected to the office of State Auditor and actively participated in all phases of creating and running a working government.
Of more than 300 boys that attended Boys State, Luke was one of two selected to attend American Legion Boys Nation.
He will be one of 98 high school student representatives; two come from each of the 49 Boys States, to represent West Virginia in Washington D.C. July 23-31.
In addition to an education on the structure and function of federal government, each delegate acts as a senator from his Boys State.
Senators learn the proper method of handling bills, the organization of party conventions and nominating and electing a president and vice president.
The week of government training also includes lectures, forums and visits to federal agencies, institutions, memorials and historical sites.
On Capitol Hill, Boys Nation senators meet with elected officials from their home states. Field trips include Arlington National Cemetery, the National Mall, the Supreme Court, the Department of State, the Capitol and the White House.
"I am most excited about getting to learn more about the federal government and have a better understanding about what really goes on everyday," Luke said. "It may not be everything you hear on the news."
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