The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, is a historic monument dedicated to U.S. service members whose remains have not been identified. It serves as a symbol of honor and respect for the sacrifices made by these soldiers. In a special ceremony this evening at the American Legion Mountaineer Boys State program, a replica of this revered monument will be on display. This replica serves as a poignant reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of the unknown soldiers, bringing the spirit of this national monument closer to the citizens of Boys State.
Please join us for the Formal Review, a prestigious event that marks a significant milestone in our program. The ceremony will commence promptly at 6:30 PM on Saturday, at the main parade field. Parents/guardians/guests are requested to arrive no later than 6:00 PM for pre-ceremony preparations. This will be a moment to reflect on our achievements and celebrate the traditions that bind us. We look forward to honoring the dedication and hard work of all involved in the presence of our esteemed guests and leaders.
We are pleased to announce the inauguration of the newly elected government officials of Boys State, to be installed by the Honorable Judge Michael John Aloi. This momentous ceremony marks the beginning of a new chapter in leadership and civic responsibility. Judge Aloi, with his esteemed legal background and dedication to justice, will preside over the installation, symbolizing the commitment to law and order that defines our democratic process. We invite you to witness the embodiment of our values and the promise of our future as these young leaders take their oaths and step into their roles to serve and lead with integrity.
Jerry West, the legendary figure whose silhouette defines the NBA logo, left an indelible mark on basketball and on the hearts of those at Mountaineer Boys State. West, who attended the program in 1955 as a Nationalist in Gilmer cottage, passed away today, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and inspiration.
In his memoir, West recounts the pivotal summer of ’55, when he returned from Boys State to meet Fred Schaus, West Virginia’s coach, who would be the first to recruit him. It was at Boys State, held at Jackson’s Mill, where he met Willie Akers, forming a friendship and a competitive bond that would last a lifetime. West’s performance at Boys State not only showcased his athletic prowess but also instilled in him a newfound self-confidence and a sense of belonging.
His time at Boys State was a precursor to his storied career, from his heroic plays at West Virginia University to his enduring legacy with the Los Angeles Lakers. West’s journey from the courts of Morgantown to the glitz of Los Angeles was marked by the same determination and humility he carried from his days at Boys State.
West’s commitment to nurturing young talent, whether at fantasy camps or through mentoring, mirrored the values he cherished from Boys State—self-improvement and the pursuit of dreams. His departure to Los Angeles in 1960 may have been his third from home, but it was his time at Boys State that laid the foundation for a lifetime of achievements.
As we remember Jerry West, we celebrate not just a basketball icon, but a Mountaineer who exemplified the spirit of Boys State—leadership, community, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Rest in peace, Jerry West, the “Men of Tomorrow” will continue to be inspired by your story.
Andrew McCoy “Mac” Warner, serving as West Virginia’s Secretary of State since 2017, is a West Point graduate and a veteran of the U.S. Army JAG Corps. With a law degree from West Virginia University and an LL.M. in International Law, Warner has dedicated his career to upholding democratic principles and election integrity. His tenure has been marked by efforts to enhance election cybersecurity, reflecting his commitment to secure and fair electoral processes. A family man with deep West Virginian roots, Warner is also known for his advocacy for conservative values.
In this engaging activity, citizens are encouraged to fulfill their civic duty by participating in the General Election, where they have the opportunity to choose representatives who will advocate for their interests. The message emphasizes the importance of each vote in shaping the future of the community and invites citizens to carefully consider the candidates before casting their ballots.
Below are the General Election Results; winners are highlighted in bold font.
SHERIFF
Bear Metheny
COUNTY CLERK
Brock Miles
PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
Brody Keller
CIRCUIT CLERK
Brodie Triplett
ASSESSOR
Ivaniel Lopez-Prianti
COUNTY COMMISSIONER
Charles Hill
Charles Swisher
Tyler Umbright
STATE SENATE
Kaiden Perkins
Oren Sutphin
HOUSE OF DELEGATES
Jackson Cogar
Keon McClure
Merrick Reddington
Jonathan Simms
MAYOR
DeAndre Jones
CITY COUNCIL
Dylan Poston
Malachi Green
Tevon Headen
In this engaging activity, citizens are encouraged to fulfill their civic duty by participating in the General Election, where they have the opportunity to choose representatives who will advocate for their interests. The message emphasizes the importance of each vote in shaping the future of the community and invites citizens to carefully consider the candidates before casting their ballots.
Below are the General Election Results; winners are highlighted in bold font.
SHERIFF
Shane Walker
COUNTY CLERK
Landon Murdock
PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
Gavin French
CIRCUIT CLERK
Von Crall
ASSESSOR
Logan Hartley
COUNTY COMMISSIONER
Alexander Irby
STATE SENATE
Michael Romano
Joshua Love
HOUSE OF DELEGATES
Nickita Aytac
Jeremy Horne
Alexander Ringkamp
MAYOR
Sean Bell
CITY COUNCIL
Logan Hartley
Gabriel Drost
In this engaging activity, citizens are encouraged to fulfill their civic duty by participating in the General Election, where they have the opportunity to choose representatives who will advocate for their interests. The message emphasizes the importance of each vote in shaping the future of the community and invites citizens to carefully consider the candidates before casting their ballots.
Below are the General Election Results; winners are highlighted in bold font.
SHERIFF
Dawson James
COUNTY CLERK
Harris Holden
PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
Davin Richardson
CIRCUIT CLERK
Andrew Stone
ASSESSOR
Benjamin Estel
COUNTY COMMISSIONER
Luke Parcell
Harris Holden
STATE SENATE
Samuel Goodwin
Agustin Hall
HOUSE OF DELEGATES
Tyler Silva
Alex Hudgins
Aarshi Lamichhane
MAYOR
James Gianato
CITY COUNCIL
Michael Niggemyer
This evening is a solemn and significant occasion as we gather together, both in spirit and through this live stream, to honor tradition, memory, and service. Today, we are conducting a flag retirement ceremony, a respectful farewell to the symbols of our nation that have proudly flown over our heads. This ceremony is not just about the fabric and colors; it’s about the ideals, the sacrifices, and the unwavering spirit they represent.
We also take a moment to remember the cherished members of the Boys State Family who are no longer with us. In the “Post Everlasting,” we honor their contributions, their mentorship, and the legacy they have left behind. Their memories continue to guide us and inspire future generations.
Furthermore, we pay tribute to our female veterans, whose courage and dedication have been instrumental in shaping our nation’s history. Their service, often unsung, deserves our deepest respect and gratitude.
Join us as we reflect on these profound acts of patriotism and remembrance. May this ceremony remind us of the values we hold dear and the collective responsibility we share in carrying them forward.
Those honored during the Post Everlasting Ceremony are:
- General Thomas “Tom” Bartlett III (ALMBS Graduate)
- Paula Jean Booth (Past American Legion Auxiliary Department of West Virginia President)
- Rocco Fucillo (ALMBS Staff and Supporter)
- Katena Svingos Karnes (Past American Legion Auxiliary Department of West Virginia President)
- Roger John “Kat” Michael (Past Sons of The American Legion Detachment of West Virginia Commander)
- Jack Morgan (US Navy Veteran and ALMBS Supporter)
In this engaging activity, citizens are encouraged to fulfill their civic duty by participating in the General Election, where they have the opportunity to choose representatives who will advocate for their interests. The message emphasizes the importance of each vote in shaping the future of the community and invites citizens to carefully consider the candidates before casting their ballots.
Below are the General Election Results; winners are highlighted in bold font.
SHERIFF
Gage Martin
COUNTY CLERK
Alexander Backes
PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
Dominic Miller
CIRCUIT CLERK
Owen Cosner
ASSESSOR
Miles Frankenberger
COUNTY COMMISSIONER
Gabriel Booth
Corey Cheeks
Christian Hardy
STATE SENATE
Nathaniel Barack
Joseph Farrell
HOUSE OF DELEGATES
Sean Eggleston
Cooper Lillard
Josh Gill
MAYOR
Cooper Durst
CITY COUNCIL
Christian Anderson
Samuel Cottril-Barr
Quinn Brown