The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State is taking shape for its 87th annual session, with 220 high school juniors from 38 of West Virginia’s 55 counties already applying to attend the week-long leadership academy at WVU Jackson’s Mill this June. Spots remain open—eligible juniors can apply now at https://apply.wvboysstate.org before the class fills.
Although our initial notional deadline of November 11, 2025, has passed, we want to reassure schools that it is not too late to submit their list of eligible and recommended junior male students for the 2026 American Legion Mountaineer Boys State (ALMBS) program.
📍The map below shows which schools have already submitted their lists—thank you for helping us kick off recruitment! If your school isn’t represented yet, we encourage you to take action now and ensure your students don’t miss out on this life-changing opportunity.
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.
SHERIFF
(Vote for one)
o Albert Lermineaux IV
COUNTY CLERK
(Vote for one)
o Jaiden Alexander Edwards
PROSECURING ATTORNEY
(Vote for one)
o Michael Hutnick
CIRCUIT CLERK
(Vote for one)
o Ellic DeWitt
ASSESSOR
(Vote for one)
o Braeden Shaprs
COUNTY COMMISSIONER
(Vote for three)
o (EvDog) Evan Gaughan
o Isaac Yoho
o Alexander Card
STATE SENATE
(Vote for two)
o Brayden Strouse
o Leeland Greaser
HOUSE OF DELEGATES
(Vote for three)
o Maxwell Hillen
o James Alkire
o Cade Heflin
ELKINS CITY OFFICIAL BALLOT
PRIMARY ELECTION
MAYOR
(Vote for one)
o Joseph Clerecuzio
CITY COUNCIL
(Vote for three)
o Bryce Cookus
o Brady Darway
o Rylan Perry
In this engaging activity, citizens are encouraged to fulfill their civic duty by participating in the Primary 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.
SHERIFF
(Vote for one)
Aidan Phillips – 32
COUNTY CLERK
(Vote for one)
Adam Davis – 12
PROSECURING ATTORNEY
(Vote for one)
Ethan Phillips – 2
CIRCUIT CLERK
(Vote for one)
Noah Galloway – 8
ASSESSOR
(Vote for one)
Elijah Lanigan – 32
COUNTY COMMISSIONER
(Vote for three)
Xander Leivestad
Avery Lipscomb
Victorino Valendin
STATE SENATE
(Vote for two)
Brycen Miles – 29
Kethan Neginhal – 28
HOUSE OF DELEGATES
(Vote for three)
(Willy) Jackson Willis – 23
Daniel Yearego – 20
(Daniel) Danylo Panivnyk – 17
MAYOR
(Vote for one)
o Jared Terlosky – 14
CITY COUNCIL
(Vote for three)
o Trenton Renner – 32
o (Minecraft) Adam Davis – 31
In this engaging activity, citizens are encouraged to fulfill their civic duty by participating in the Primary 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. It also highlights the upcoming General Election on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, as the next step in the democratic process, fostering a sense of community engagement and responsibility.
Thank you to all the citizens who participated in the 2025 Boys State General Election. Your enthusiasm, dedication, and willingness to serve are what make this program a true reflection of civic engagement and leadership development. We especially want to recognize and thank all the candidates—whether elected or not—for having the courage to run for office, engage in public discourse, and contribute meaningfully to the democratic process at ALMBS. Your efforts exemplify what it means to be a citizen-leader.
Vote for 1
| Candidate | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| (Will) William Northey | 132 | 58.93% |
| James McMillion | 82 | 36.61% |
| Write-In Totals | 10 | 4.46% |
Total Votes Cast: 224
Vote for 1
| Candidate | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| Vic Chen | 158 | 70.54% |
| (Stonewall) Jackson VanHoose | 66 | 29.46% |
| Write-In Totals | 0 | 0.00% |
Total Votes Cast: 224
Vote for 1
| Candidate | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| (Vava) Alvaro Yemba | 183 | 81.70% |
| (Garth Vader) Garth Beck | 41 | 18.30% |
| Write-In Totals | 0 | 0.00% |
Total Votes Cast: 224
Vote for 1
| Candidate | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| Trace McLaren | 158 | 71.17% |
| (The Third) Timothy Hetrick III | 62 | 27.93% |
| Write-In Totals | 2 | 0.90% |
Total Votes Cast: 222
Vote for 1
| Candidate | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| (The Beacon) Noah Daniel | 129 | 57.85% |
| (G.G.) Gabriel Gainer | 94 | 42.15% |
| Write-In Totals | 0 | 0.00% |
Total Votes Cast: 223
Vote for 1
| Candidate | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| Dash Carey-Squire | 162 | 72.65% |
| Torben Heinbockel | 59 | 26.46% |
| Write-In Totals | 2 | 0.90% |
Total Votes Cast: 223
As Boys State continues to foster leadership, civic engagement, and community impact, the Party Conventions stand as a crucial milestone in the journey toward governance. Citizens will gather to debate, refine, and vote on party platforms that represent their vision for the future of West Virginia. This year, the Federalist and Nationalist parties have developed distinct yet impactful plans to address the state’s most pressing challenges.
Federalist Party Platform
The Federalists emphasize economic growth and infrastructure investment as the foundation of West Virginia’s progress. Their priorities include:
Nationalist Party Platform
The Nationalists focus on public welfare, environmental preservation, and innovative approaches to economic renewal. Their core initiatives include:
With these platforms setting the stage for debate, Boys State Citizens will have the opportunity to engage in policy discussions, propose amendments, and vote on leadership within their respective parties. The conventions serve as an invaluable experience in democratic participation and governance.
Stay tuned for updates as the conventions unfold and leaders emerge to shape the direction of Boys State 2025!
The Law Enforcement Division at the American Legion Mountaineer Boys State (ALMBS) is one of the program’s most dynamic and hands-on components, designed to simulate real-world public safety operations. The division is split into two key areas: the State Police, responsible for enforcing laws and maintaining order throughout Boys State, and the Natural Resource Police, who focus on environmental protection and wildlife regulations within the state simulation.
Citizens selected to serve in Law Enforcement go through a structured application and interview process early in the week. Candidates are evaluated on their leadership potential, situational awareness, communication skills, and ability to uphold the core values of ALMBS. Training includes procedural instruction, patrol duties, and collaboration with the judiciary and corrections branches.
Congratulations to the 2025 ALMBS Law Enforcement officers! Whether serving in the State Police or Natural Resource Police, your commitment to service, justice, and leadership helps ensure the success of our simulated government and the safety of all Boys State citizens.
| Citizen Name: First | Citizen Name: Last | Cottage (Citizens) | Law Enforcement Staff Position |
| Alex | Yeager | Monroe | State Police |
| Blake | Moss | Marion | State Police |
| Brody | Hill | Lewis | State Police |
| Brody | Wills | Upshur | State Police |
| Colton | Stanley | Monroe | Natural Resource Police |
| Draven | Donahoe | Panhandle | State Police |
| Eli | Combs | Panhandle | Natural Resource Police |
| Garrett | Kohel | Kanawha | State Police |
| Jackson | Stover | Monroe | Natural Resource Police |
| Jasper | Murrin | Randolph | Natural Resource Police |
| Kristopher | McDaniel | Marion | Natural Resource Police |
| Mason | Phillips | Kanawha | Natural Resource Police |
| Mason | Riley | Lewis | Natural Resource Police |
| Michael | Newbraugh | Webster | State Police |
| Ryan | Chandler | Randolph | State Police |
| Samuel | Flower | Upshur | Natural Resource Police |
The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State (ALMBS) Corrections Department plays a vital role in maintaining the structure, safety, and realism of the program’s civic simulation. Tasked with overseeing the Boys State correctional facility and ensuring adherence to program law, the Corrections team works closely with judicial and law enforcement branches to support a functional and educational justice system.
Participants interested in joining Corrections apply early in the program and go through an interview-style selection process. Candidates are evaluated based on their discipline, professionalism, and understanding of the responsibilities tied to maintaining order and due process within Boys State.
Congratulations to those selected to serve in the ALMBS Corrections Department for 2025! Your leadership, integrity, and service-minded approach embody the ideals of Boys State and contribute greatly to the program’s success.
| Citizen Name: First | Citizen Name: Last | Cottage (Citizens) |
| Alexander | Audia | Randolph |
| Danny | Yoss | Panhandle |
| Eli | Farrell | Lewis |
| Greyson | Irons | Upshur |
| Gunner | Lilley | Monroe |
| Kaleb | Escobar | Kanawha |
| Koltyn | Villers | Marion |
The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State (ALMBS) Bank serves as a cornerstone of the program’s hands-on government simulation, providing citizens with practical experience in financial services, leadership, and teamwork. Staffed entirely by Boys State participants, the bank handles simulated deposits, withdrawals, loans, and budget oversight for cities and state programs.
Bank staff members are selected through an interview-based hiring process conducted by ALMBS leadership. Each candidate is evaluated on professionalism, communication skills, and interest in business or finance-related fields. Roles include Bank President, Vice-President, Loan Officer, and multiple Teller positions.
Congratulations to the 2025 ALMBS Bank staff! Your selection reflects strong leadership potential and a commitment to learning valuable real-world skills.
| Citizen Name: First | Citizen Name: Last | Cottage | Banking Staff Position |
| Andrew | Modecki | Upshur | Bank Teller (Full-Time) |
| Austin | Osborne | Panhandle | Bank Loan Officer |
| Eli | Ward | Marion | Bank Teller (Full-Time) |
| Ethan | Wheeler | Lewis | Bank Vice-President |
| Jackson | Semplice | Randolph | Bank President |
| Scott | Leonard | Kanawha | Bank Teller (Full-Time) |
The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State (ALMBS) Bar Exam is a required assessment for all citizens seeking to run for positions within the judicial branch of the ALMBS government. Modeled after real-world legal standards, the exam ensures candidates demonstrate a foundational understanding of the law, courtroom procedures, and the responsibilities of judicial office. Passing the Bar Exam is a prerequisite to file for roles such as Justice of the Supreme Court of Appeals or Circuit Judge. This process helps maintain the integrity of the ALMBS judicial system and provides a meaningful educational experience for all participants.
Congratulations to all citizens who successfully passed the 2025 ALMBS Bar Exam! Your commitment to public service and dedication to learning exemplifies the spirit of leadership and civic responsibility that Boys State represents.
| Citizen Name: First | Citizen Name: Last | Cottage (Citizens) |
| Marcus | Cremann | Kanawha |
| Zachary | Farnsworth | Kanawha |
| Noah | Galloway | Kanawha |
| Andrew | Harris | Kanawha |
| Christian | Meadors | Kanawha |
| Kethan | Neginhal | Kanawha |
| Carter | Paczewski | Kanawha |
| Jared | Terlosky | Kanawha |
| Daniel | Yearego | Kanawha |
| Jaxson | Davis | Lewis |
| Ross | Hicks | Lewis |
| Jon | Jett | Lewis |
| Taelor | Jones | Lewis |
| William | Northey | Lewis |
| Alex | Ramsey | Lewis |
| Joshua | Roberts | Lewis |
| Mason | Smith | Lewis |
| Linton | Zheng | Lewis |
| Robert | Brandmeir | Marion |
| Vic | Chen | Marion |
| James | Hadjis | Marion |
| Bryce | Isner | Marion |
| Liam | Kruse | Marion |
| Kieran | Laughner | Marion |
| Aidan | Lowther | Marion |
| Kristopher | McDaniel | Marion |
| Thomas | McIntyre | Marion |
| Trace | McLaren | Marion |
| Zachariah | Nunley | Marion |
| Landon | Palmer | Marion |
| Aiden | Phares | Marion |
| Wyatt | Royal | Marion |
| Gavin | Spadafore | Marion |
| Zachariah | Turner | Marion |
| Jack | Young | Marion |
| Kaelan | Dillon | Monroe |
| Keith | Linger | Monroe |
| Trevor | Mills | Monroe |
| Emerson | Murphy | Monroe |
| Donald | Parks | Monroe |
| Jacob | Perry | Monroe |
| Maddox | Swisher | Monroe |
| Michael | Brockett | Panhandle |
| Cooper | Byers | Panhandle |
| Dash | Carey-Squire | Panhandle |
| Nathan | Cochran | Panhandle |
| Brodrick | Hammers | Panhandle |
| Torben | Heinbockel | Panhandle |
| Daniel | Lipscomb | Panhandle |
| Tucker | Pomeroy | Panhandle |
| Lars | Youngstrom | Panhandle |
| James | Alkire | Randolph |
| Alexander | Audia | Randolph |
| Alexander | Card | Randolph |
| Maxwell | Chen | Randolph |
| Bryce | Cookus | Randolph |
| Brady | Darway | Randolph |
| Andrew | Dumas | Randolph |
| Douglas | Gillette | Randolph |
| Gregory | Guet | Randolph |
| Carey | Howell Morgan | Randolph |
| Michael | Hutnick | Randolph |
| Joshua | Lafferty | Randolph |
| Landon | Lester | Randolph |
| Daylon | Morrison | Randolph |
| Rylan | Perry | Randolph |
| Brayden | Strouse | Randolph |
| Brodie | Baker | Upshur |
| Beau | Farley | Upshur |
| Samuel | Flower | Upshur |
| Maddox | McKay | Upshur |
| Cole | Parsons | Upshur |
| Ayden | Semashko | Upshur |
| Izaik | Tasker | Upshur |
| Brody | Wills | Upshur |
| Luke | Zoeckler | Upshur |
| Akwasi | Braun | Webster |
| Elijah | Hastie | Webster |
| Mighty | Lopez | Webster |
| Christopher | Mulligan | Webster |
| Michael | Newbraugh | Webster |
| Ian | Riffle | Webster |