By Evie Henderson, Cypress Woods High School (A High School Journalism Network Collaboration)

Cypress Woods High School junior Barrett Thomas hadn’t even heard about the Texas Boys State program, until a teacher recommended him. Now, he’s on track to spend a week at one of the most selective leadership programs in the state. 

Starting June 8, approximately 900 students are invited to attend the week-long camp at the University of Texas at Austin. Training young men in government and debate skills, Boys State attempts to teach through hands-on experiences. Students are divided into mock political parties to debate, introduce and vote on legislation and foster understanding of American government systems. Students apply through essays regarding interests and goals for the experience.

“I said that I wanted to learn more about government and how I could be active, because I don’t know a whole bunch about government,” Thomas said. “I think it’ll be a great opportunity for me to learn more about how it operates and how I can participate in it.”

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Aside from the government experience, Boys State also instills a sense of service in its participants. Staff members will encourage students to be active in their communities, whether through public leadership or working in government. Thomas does not plan on launching a career in government but understands that government plays a role in business.

“I think a lot of businesses operate with the government, and vice versa,” Thomas said. “Learning how the government operates and how you can make a business around the government could definitely be very beneficial.”

Thomas anticipates many opportunities to practice teamwork with new peers and make connections that could be to his advantage in the future.

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“For college applications, of course I’d like to have that on my résumé, but also just the experience,” Thomas said. “Not a lot of people get to do it, so being able to take part in something that selective is amazing.”

Thomas’ Boys State experience will be full of meetings, debates and presentations to prepare him for future leadership roles. The program’s aim at shaping the leaders of future generations will shine a light on the inner workings of our government and local leadership, whether Thomas ends up as a CEO or our future president.

Editor's Note: This article was written by Evie Henderson, a student at Cypress Woods High School in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, through a partnership between My Neighborhood News and the District as part of an established high school journalism network collaboration. My Neighborhood News is a proud supporter of local youth and warmly welcomes the opportunity to provide a platform for students to share their work.