Oklahoma Boys State

The Week That Shapes a Lifetime

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Success at Boys State

Success at Boys State comes not just from winning high office, or any office at all for that matter. Success comes from sharing this week of government, leadership, and patriotism with several hundred other young men like yourself who constitute the best our state has to offer. Your success will be marked not only by your experience during the week, but also by what you will carry with you for the rest of your life.  To fully benefit from this experience you must be active; get to know your fellow delegates; learn about your city; listen to your counselors and to the assembly speakers; talk, discuss, argue, laugh, and yes, even weep.  If taken seriously, you will leave with a new appreciation for the men who built this nation and have given the ultimate sacrifice to keep it free.

Government Practicum
  • Throughout the week of Boys State the delegates will simulate the state and local government of Oklahoma. Each delegate will be randomly assigned to either the Boomer or the Sooner party, and will also be assigned to either the House or the Senate. As the week progresses, the delegates will have the opportunity to run for office at the city, county and state levels. They may also choose to seek positions within the judiciary or law enforcement community, or remain and advance within the legislature. Regardless of position or election outcome, each delegate will play a role in the simulated government and learn by doing in the process.
  • Legislation
    • At the heart of our democracy is representative government and public debate. As such, Boys State puts a great emphasis on our Legislative Simulation. Each delegate will spend time in either the House or the Senate learning parliamentary procedure; debating bills and resolutions; and learning the committee system. For this process to work smoothly, each delegate should bring with him at least one piece of legislation to present to his peers during the simulation. Some topics to consider include: Welfare, Drug Policy, Public and Higher Education, Taxation and Budget, Employment, Agriculture, Criminal Justice and Corrections, Transportation and Highways, Environmental Laws, Hunting and Firearms, and other items of general interest.
Running for Governor and other High Office
  • Those delegates wishing to run for Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General or Chief Justice are encouraged (but not required) to check the appropriate box during enrollment to help the staff equally distribute high-office candidates throughout the state.  All delegates will have the opportunity to declare candidacy for these offices after arrival at Boys State regardless of their indications during enrollment
    • Do Not Bring Pre-printed campaign material
      • All campaign material must be produced at Boys State.  You may bring materials with which to make campaign signs, etc.  You may campaign for office prior to Boys State but no information regarding delegates will be released by Oklahoma Boys State
Awards
  • Citizen of the Day
    • Awarded each day to a citizen of each city who has demonstrated outstanding citizenship, good character, and a spirit of cooperation and helpfulness as well as demonstrating qualities of leadership and patriotism. This award comes with The Bronze Star of Oklahoma lapel pin.
  • H.V. Thornton Award
    • Awarded to the outstanding citizen of each city. The award is given in honor of Dr. Thornton who taught government at OU for many years and was principally responsible for the creation of the Boys State program. He also wrote the original text upon which the current Boys State text is based.
  • Newby C. Tyson Award
    • Awarded to the delegate in each city who best displays the qualities of devotion to duty, volunteerism and patriotism without regard nor concern for personal reward or recognition.
  • Chauncey Witcraft Award
    • Awarded to the outstanding academic achiever in each city at Boys State in honor of long time Director of Elections Chauncey Witcraft.
  • Boys Nation Award
    • Awarded to the two most outstanding delegates nominated by the counselor staff and selected by the Americanism Commission. Boys Nation Delegates attend the national Boys Nation Camp held during July in Washington, D. C.
  • Joe Buzidragis Scholarship
    • A $500 scholarship given to one of the Boys Nation Delegates in honor of long time Boys State Director Joseph F. Buzidragis.
  • Leroy Crozier Scholarship
    • A $500 scholarship given to one of the Boys Nation Delegates in honor of long time Education Director Leroy Crozier.
  • Samsung Scholarship
    • A $1000 scholarship awarded to the applicant whose completed application packet scores the highest points. Presented by the American Legion on behalf of the Samsung Corporation as a token of their appreciation for American Servicemen during the Korean War. The recipient’s packet is sent to the National Headquarters of the American Legion to compete for the top award of $20,000 in scholarships.
  • The Silver Star of Oklahoma
    • The medallion given to Boys State Delegates who are recognized as
    • H.V. Thornton Awardees, Boys Nation Delegates, or Samsung Scholarship Winners.
  • Boys State Citizenship Medal
    • The Boys State Citizenship Medal is awarded to all young men that successfully complete the Oklahoma Boys State Program. The medal is to be worn with pride at major events, such as Boys State Graduation and High School Graduation.
  • Director’s Coin for Excellence
    • Awarded to delegates that go above and beyond when duty calls, without being asked and many times in situations when they don’t think they were seen helping. This award recognizes outstanding character and a helpful attitude
 

The City of Excellence

The Oklahoma American Legion Boys State City of Excellence (CoE) Award is one of the most coveted prizes to be earned during your week at Boys State. The CoE is the award given to the one outstanding city that displays exemplary qualities throughout the week and distinguishes itself amongst its peer cities. It is a source of pride for your city, and it bestows upon you, the citizen, the honor of being a part of the best city at Oklahoma American Legion Boys State. The CoE Award represents the ultimate goal for you to aim for in every activity you do. Your entire week will build upon itself, giving you, individually and as a citizen of your city, the opportunity to excel and earn the points needed to reach this prize.