Owensboro High School rising senior David Daniel made history Wednesday as the first Kentuckian ever elected President of American Legion Boys Nation, one of the most prestigious educational programs of government instruction for U.S. high school students.
His journey began at American Legion Boys State, a participatory program in which students become part of the operation of mock local, county and state governments. Operated by students elected to various offices, Boys State activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law-enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, choruses and recreational programs.
Two representatives from each of the Boys States are then selected to attend at Boys Nation in Washington, D.C., where they receive further education on the structure and function of federal government. At the event, each delegate acts as a senator from his Boys State. The young lawmakers caucus at the beginning of the session, then organize into committees and conduct hearings on bills submitted by program delegates.
While at Boys State earlier this summer, Daniel was elected as governor. Then at Boys Nation, he decided to run for the program’s highest office. He won the election 52-47 and was inaugurated Wednesday morning.
“It feels amazing to be able to represent literally 100 of the top [young] political minds in America,” he said.
As President, Daniel must now follow the legislative process and make appointments. Much like the actual U.S. President does, Daniel has to read through bills that arrive at his desk, discuss them with the sponsors, and decide if it’s best to return the bill to the Senate or pass it.
He noted the accomplishment feels even better knowing that Kentucky is one of the smallest participating among Boy States nationwide.
This year is the 77th year of the Boys Nation program, which has seen alum like Former President Bill Clinton and Microsoft founder Bill Gates.
“This is probably the largest accomplishment of my life. The amount of support that I’ve gotten from the people who are here is just amazing,” Daniel said.
Beyond this program, Daniel said he wishes to pursue politics in the future — mostly state-level, but he is open to the national level. He aims to go to law school and study policy law.
Boys Nation will run through Friday. The program also includes lectures, forums and visits to federal agencies, national shrines, institutions, memorials and historical sites. On Capitol Hill, Boys Nation senators meet with elected officials from their home states.
