A Lehigh Acres student traveled to Tallahassee in June to take part in the Florida American Legion Boys State, where he was elected mayor.
“Being mayor shows the commitment that I have to hold my city to high standards and provide healthy competition with other cities,” said James Lacy, a rising Lehigh Senior High School senior. “I have let my leadership qualities shine through and I was excited to be a team player with my fellow delegates. In terms of how I run my city, I believe in transparency, being punctual and accountability.”
Lacy was one of 16 mayors elected during the 78th session of Florida American Legion Boys State.
“In just a matter of hours, these young men demonstrated to their fellow citizens qualities of leadership, drive and service,” said Florida American Legion Boys State Director Andrew Satterlee in a prepared statement. “Mayors — many of whom move on to higher office at Boys State – set the tone for the week and help lead their cities in simulations, efforts to score well on academic exams, win the dodgeball tournament and have a strong presence in the mock state government sessions.”
Lacy heard about Boys State through his SAI, Colonel Walter, at school, who nominated him to be interviewed for the delegation position. Lacy instantly researched and found out more information about the program, immediately falling in love.
There were 426 delegates chosen for this year’s Boys State, with their local American Legion post covering the cost of participation and transportation.
“I would like to emphasize a special thank you to Lehigh American Legion post 323 for funding the amazing experience and giving me the opportunity to represent Lehigh,” Lacy said. “I recommend this experience for everyone who is ready for a challenge and wants to be a leader in their community.”
Boys State was held from Sunday, June 19, through Saturday, June 25.
When the delegates first arrive their days are full, as they form their local mock governments for both cities and counties, respond to simulations, attend lectures, as well as take exams on law, Florida history and legislative procedure. They also form parties that nominate state legislatures and constitutional candidates.
By Wednesday the delegates formed a full mock state government, followed by legislative debates on Thursday and Friday where they heard supreme court cases.
“My Boys State experience has been exciting and challenging,” Lacy said. “Everyone at Boys State is quoted as ‘the best of the best’ and now that we are all here every person is on a level playing field.”
He said a typical day at Boys State is exciting.
“We start the morning with city jobs and walk to the Tucker Center at FSU. We listen to morning speakers and pray after we perform the opening colors. We have lectures based on law and history, as well as leadership. The part I love the most is spending time with my city/county and hosting elections, as well as collaboration on issues. We will finish our typical day of classes at 9 and move to our dorms. Once at the dorms, the elected officials will have meetings and prospective groups will break down and meet with the other positions,” Lacy said.
The experience has taught him to chase his dreams.
“There are many qualified people in this world who work just as hard, but only one can win. The experience has taught me how to be a better leader in preparation for my future jobs. I have also learned how to roll with the punches, sometimes you lose, or someone gets elected that you don’t particularly like, but we need to put our differences aside and be a team player,” Lacy said.
For more information about Florida American Legion Boys State, visit www.floridalegion.org/programs-services/boys-state/.
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