Tag Archive for: News

After a long and very exhausting day, the Webster County citizens found energy to participate in workout activities. After the assembly at Assembly Hall, the citizens got together and thought it best to go running for a workout. Out of the twenty-one citizens in the Webster County, fifteen of the citizens took themselves a nightly job around Jackson’s Mill grounds. After everyone had returned to the cottage, they decided that a nightly run will occur the entire span of Mountaineer Boys State. Everyone is welcome to join in on the fun.

Michael Bragg – Webster Cottage

WebStar Goes Up 2-0 for Sports Records

As the Websters had a record of 1-0 going into their second sports game, the future did not look bright. Panhandle came out strong and took the first set with a 15-13 point victory. With the help of players such as John Neges, Cameron Killmer, Thomas Dodd, and the MVP, Cam Viney, the WebStars once again showed their teamwork by forcing a 3rd set. The WebStars came together after being down by 8 in the final set, and Cam Viney finished it off with a spike. They start softball with a perfect record.

Mike Bragg – Webster Cottage
WebStar is Victorious!

It was a hot Monday afternoon as the WebStars took the court to take on Monroe Cottage. Monroe started off very quickly going up 3-nil. After that, the 12 players who were dressed to play for the WebStars showed off their skills and went on a 9-0 run. The score was 9-3 at halftime. Coming out of halftime, Monroe tried to make quick adjustments, but could not pull off a run. The WebStars came out victorious with a 17-6 win.

Mike Bragg – Webster Cottage

It was on June 13 of 2011 when I had the privilege to interview the Braxton County Senior Counselor. Only being the first full day of the week, I was extremely nervous. But at the right time, I was confident in doing my first interview. I started with the basic of a hello, and a how are you today? Newsom was very polite and told me he was doing quite fine.

I then progressed into asking if he was enjoying his week at Boy’s State so far. Newsom responded by saying “Yes. Boy’s State is always one of my favorite weeks of the year.” I then asked the curious question of what year he was a citizen at Boy’s State, and could he tell me his experience at his Boy’s State? Newsom was a citizen of Boy’s State in 2006, and “When I was a citizen in Boy’s State, I remember being extremely overwhelmed, but then as the week progressed, I greatly enjoyed myself.”

When Newsom was a citizen at Boy’s State, he ran for the office of the House of Delegates. Newsom has been coming back to Boy’s State ever since 2006, with this year being his 6th year in Boy’s State. I greatly appreciated the interview with Newsom and I personally am starting to enjoy my Boy’s State experience.

Patrick Means – Braxton Cottage Reporter

If you travel along the worn, stone walk way of the Dominion Path, into the low valley and up the other side of the valley; you will encounter the Randolph Cottage. It is a peaceful cottage that is neighbored by the Monroe Cottage right inside the forest. The Randolph Cottage differs from the other cottages in that its location is different and its old, nostalgic features: the wood pillars with initials of past members carved in, its log cabin type structure and the cottage’s rooftop which is scarred with the wounds of weather. The boys in the cottage favor it over the other cottages even though it lacks modern style and, more importantly, it lacks an air conditioning system. Philip Mickinar, a Randolph resident, said, “The cottage is very quiet and secluded. It’s peaceful too. It helps you get a good night’s sleep.” Another Randolph resident, Karl Smakula, also mentioned it was quiet. Karl even said, “There is nothing I don’t like about this cottage.” To the boys who stay in Randolph, it is a unique cottage. This uniqueness will make the cottage stay in their memory for a lifetime.

Today two of the many classes that will happen this week started. Parliamentary Procedure and Leadership led by Chris Sharps and Dr. James J. Nolan, Ph.D. spoke today about issues that will help the future leaders of Boys State and America. A few citizens had comments about these classes; Nationalist Andy Malone had this to say about the Leadership Classes, “The classes were very interesting and I definitely learned about becoming a stronger leader.” When Nationalist, Alan Banks, Monroe, was asked how he liked the classes Banks responded “I liked the classes very much and there was a lot I had never heard before”. The classes this week, if continued like Monday’s, will be very interesting and fulfilling so Boys State citizens: sit back, relax, learn a little, and have fun.

Robert Fulton – Monroe Cottage

When any camper walks into Mountaineer Boy’s State he can feel the strong sense of patriotism that fills the grounds. No symbol best exemplifies that sense of patriotism than the American Flag, and the man who has gone to great lengths to educate all campers about the meaning of the flag none other than Senior Counselor Robbie Robinson.

“I teach flag appreciation and it’s amazing how many fifth graders do not know when to stand for the pledge. It amazes me that people do not know some of the basic facts about the flag,” Senior Counselor Robbie Robinson, said.

This was Robinson’s fourth year giving the powerful speech to the campers, and teacher them what the flag means to him.

“The flag means to me that a lot of people sacrificed their lives so I could live the life live today, and when people disrespect the flag means they are disrespecting me. We here at Boy’s State want some kind of Americanism every day in camp to instill different values in campers,” Robinson, said.

By Clark Palmer – Staff Reporter

Yesterday I had the privilege of interviewing the Mountaineer Boys State Legislative Director Mr. James Dague. In June of 1987, Mr. Dague was selected to become a Boys State Citizen and remained a member of the program ever since. He said his favorite aspect was learning through participation. In the words of Mr. Dague “No matter what you do in the future, no matter what occupation, human society requires you to have an understanding and knowledge of government.”

Here at Mountaineer Boy’s State you are not only lectured on Government and policy, you are immersed in it. From sunrise to sunset you are the government and this method of instruction presents an elite experience. Not only do you take from this program a more extensive education, but also superior personal development. Mr. Dague told me “You are introduced to a wide variety of people” and you “learn principles that make you become part of the Boy’s State Family.”

This means that no matter where you go, when you meet another Boy’s state member you know the standard of excellence and responsibility they demand from themselves and their surroundings

We reminisced past Boy’s State experiences and Mr. Dague told me of a man who had a significant influence on him, Mr. Robert L. Stine. Mr. Stine took James under his wing and incorporated him into the family. Upon our closing remarks Mr. Dague had one last word of advice, “Be honest. People in society judge you by your words and actions. Your ability to articulate human vocabulary is essential to be a success in the world community.” This is something we should all remember.

By Alex Jones – Staff Reporter

Mountaineer Boys State athletics kicked off Monday afternoon. The organized competitions included volleyball (sand and hard court), ultimate Frisbee, softball and basketball. Also, citizens gathered together to play soccer, tennis, and some went jogging. Taking place before and after dinner, the athletics let citizens get into some competition.

“These competitions give us an opportunity to relax,” Andrew Scott, Monroe cottage member, said. “They are a nice break from classes.”

Many citizens believe that athletics contribute to the Boys State experience.

“This gives a chance to show that we are not just good leaders, but we can also play as a team,” Jared Peterson, Braxton cottage member, said.

Despite positive reviews from nearly everyone, one citizen (who wished to remain anonymous) did not agree with the way the athletic scheduled was composed.

“Jackson’s Mill has great facilities, but they play a minor role in our stay. We only get a little over 2 hours to play. There should definitely be more.”

According to the official 2011 Mountaineer Boys State Manual of Government, citizens will have at least two hours of activity every full day exc>luding Wednesday, due to formal review.

Full Time Staff

Position Name Cottage
General Manager Swayde Carpenter Calhoun
Newspaper Editor Devin McIlvain Braxton
Broadcast Manager Alec Salakovich Panhandle
Staff Reporters Andrew Carroll Gilmer
Alex Jones Braxton
Jesse Kidd Lewis
Tyler Moyers Barbour
Clark Palmer Gilmer
Alex Petry Kanawha
Sam Ransbottom Monongalia
Cameraman/Photographer Nick Robertson Barbour
Graphic Design Alden Roth Lewis
Xavier Nolan Panhandle
Website Coordinator Austin Shahan Kanawha

Part Time Staff

Position Name Cottage
Cottage Reporters Michael Bragg Webster/Barbour
Nick Brownstead Randolph
Robert Fulton Monroe
Seth Hamrick Kanawha
Austin Hickman Marion
Troy King Lewis
Patrick Means Braxton
Michael Roy Gilmer/Calhoun
Drew Wade Monongalia/Upshur