Young men from around the state came to Eastern June 12-17 to participate in the 70th Premier Boys State. The event focused on state and local government, the political system, and voting, however, the event is more than a lesson in patriotism. It’s a life lesson.

“Boys state teaches the fellas that there’s more to life and more to living than they have been in contact with up until this point.” Said Ralph Morgatell, Dupage County Chairman for Boys State. “This is the break out period, where they come to meet other boys from other parts of the state with different personalities, race backgrounds and different religious backgrounds.”

Wyatt Edwards, from Mattoon came to Boys State because he heard it was a really great honor and he wanted to learn about the government.

“We learn a lot about the government, like parliamentary procedures and how to conduct a meeting,” said Edwards. “It’s been fun meeting new people and making new friends, everyone is really, really nice here.”

Josh Boykin, from Rockford, learned a lot about the government. He was elected the 2005 Governor of Boys State, but he also learned about leadership.

“Boys State has given me the opportunity to find out just how much leadership potential I have,” said Boykin. “I love seeing what people can do when they really put in the effort and how they can change the world.”

Boykin felt that the leadership talents he discovered at Premier Boys State would help him in every day life.

“Being able to manifest the leadership talents that are latent with in all of us, will help me a lot in every day life because it’s just dealing with people,” said Boykin. “The whole world is just dealing with people, and the more you learn to deal with people, the better you are. “

View our Boys State slide show.