Tag Archive for: Nationalist

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Boys State Party Conventions: Shaping the Future of West Virginia

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:

  • Mass Infrastructure Projects – Significant funding for roads, disaster relief, and public works to boost long-term development.
  • Generating Business – Deregulation and lower capital gains taxes to encourage entrepreneurship and job creation.
  • Healthcare – Breaking up monopolies to improve competition and access to quality care.
  • Agriculture – Incentives for young farmers to stay in West Virginia and subsidies for small and medium-sized farms to strengthen local food production.

Nationalist Party Platform

The Nationalists focus on public welfare, environmental preservation, and innovative approaches to economic renewal. Their core initiatives include:

  • Water Safety – Monthly inspections for private water companies with tax incentives for compliance.
  • Tourism Growth – A statewide social media campaign to highlight West Virginia’s natural beauty and attract more visitors.
  • Energy & Infrastructure – Repurposing abandoned coal mines for nuclear energy while maintaining coal and natural gas industries.
  • Marijuana Legalization – Regulations for safety and revenue generation through taxed recreational marijuana.
  • Health & Research – Increased academic funding to combat the opioid crisis, mental health challenges, and obesity through medical advancements.

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!

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Jerry West: The Mountaineer Boys State Alum Who Became Mr. Clutch

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.

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