Latest news with #RobbieRobinson
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Day 2 of Boys State includes social opportunities, primary election
WESTON, (WBOY) — Monday was the second day of Mountaineers Boys State, where rising seniors from throughout West Virginia try to organize their own state for the week, complete with elected officials, emergency responders, law enforcement, bankers and everything else a society might need. 12 News sat in on a meeting with the 'Nationalist Party,' where candidates were giving their stump speeches for the primary later in the day. Director for American Legion Mountaineer Boys State Robbie Robinson said, 'It's better for the state, community and nation for us to do this, because a lot of the times [the students] are not getting how elections work in schools.' Carry Jack Howell Morgan of Monongalia County ran for Governor. Morgan told 12 News he cares about politics and trying to find a way to cut through divisiveness in America. 'We're slowly damaging ourselves more and more every time we continue to just bicker and villainize each other,' Morgan said. He added that his goal coming into Boys State was to work on his public speaking and see if he could get into a leadership role. Blenko unveils limited-edition, train-themed West Virginia Day pieces Outside of learning about the political process, Boys State also offers a unique opportunity for social development, giving students the opportunity to meet others from all around the state. 'There's guys that I know that came to this camp in 1962 and still are in touch with the boys they were in camp with here in Jackson's Mill,' Robinson said. Zach Turner of Putnam County ran for Attorney General with the slogan 'Don't be whack, vote for Zach.' Turner said he's valued the social experience of Boys State so far. 'I think that's one of the biggest aspects of Boys State is learning about your peers, getting to know your peers and all your friends. I've already made a lot of friends.' Boys State will continue through June 14. By the end of Tuesday night, they should know the result of the general election. If you want to keep up, you can follow the work of the students doing journalism at Boys State at Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Mountaineer Boys State marks 86 years of civic leadership at Jackson's Mill
WESTON, (WBOY) — The 86th session of the American Legion Mountaineer Boys State is being held this week at WVU Jackson's Mill, continuing a tradition of leadership and civic education for West Virginia's youth. A few hundred high school students from across the Mountain State are taking part in the week-long program, which immerses them in hands-on learning about government operations and the responsibilities of citizenship. Participants, referred to as 'citizens,' actively engage in the formation and operation of mock city, county and state governments. 'We started here in 1936, West Virginia has the second oldest Boys State in the nation. Illinois started it in 1935, we thought it was a good idea, went out and talked to them and we got the second charter back then,' the Director for American Legion Mountaineer Boys State Robbie Robinson said. 'We're able to claim that we're the only camp or only Boys State program in the United States that has it at the same place since its inception.' Morgantown Pop Shop holds first of summer concerts Throughout the week, students take part in legislative sessions, court proceedings, and law enforcement demonstrations. They also attend assemblies, join recreational programs, and explore career opportunities in various fields. Guest speakers often including government officials, veterans, and community leaders share insights on leadership and service. 'Sometimes civics isn't touched on a whole lot in school anymore. So here they get a different perspective on it, a real worlds perspective on it, and they get a chance to actually do it,' Robinson added. 'These boys will get experiences that they won't receive in other places, however this is something that will stick with them for the rest of their life.' Organizers added the experience they receive while at the camp leaves a lasting impact, helping to shape what could be future leaders while fostering a deeper understanding of the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Applications open for annual Boys State program
JACKSON'S MILL, (WBOY) — A program of the American Legion designed to teach civic engagement to high school juniors is taking applications for its 86th session this summer. The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State will return to Jackson's Mill from June 8 to June 14. The annual summer program aims to create a government of a 51st state in the image of the West Virginia state government. The program takes the student citizens of Boys State through the political process from party platforms to campaigns to elections, before electing a slate of officials for the new state. White Hall Elementary receives statewide recognition as an Exemplary Practice School In addition to electing city, county, and state officials, Boys State also highlights other careers connected to government, including emergency services, journalism, forensics and more. Boys State Director Robbie Robinson said Boys State doesn't just instill good government practices, it also helps prepare them for life after graduation. 'The boys that are here are junior boys,' said Robinson. 'Next year, they'll be graduating and going out into the workforce or into college or or whatever they've chosen as their career. This could give them a boost.' Teaching civic engagement is important to the volunteer staff, but it's also a way to help make a mark on the state's future as well. 'Some of these boys will go on to be leaders in business, leaders in government, leaders in the military, and these are all things that we're paying it forward to improve our society and to hopefully continue our form of government,' said Assistant Director Matt Sampson. The American Legion Auxiliary also organizes the Rhododendron Girls State every year; it's currently held at Davis & Elkins College in Elkins. You can find more information on how to apply to either Boys State or Girls State on their websites. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
