Andrew Minton represented Prattville Christian Academy at the summer 2022 session of the American Legion Auxiliary Alabama Boys State earlier this summer. Boys State is a nearly 100-year-old youth leadership program that offers a one-of-a-kind experience to rising high school senior male students in the state. Students are chosen because of their leadership skills, work ethic, strong moral compass, and motivation to participate in school and community activities.
At Boys State, student delegates become citizens of an imaginary state, taking part in a mock political life through campaigning for and electing officials. In addition to establishing a mock government, delegates learn from elected state officials, business, and civic leaders. All participants acquire a deeper understanding and regard for two of the nation’s benefits: freedom and democracy. Andrew ran for and was elected as a council member for his imaginary city.
“Boys State taught me that it takes a lot of people working together to create solutions to the problems we face from local to national government,” said Andrew Minton. “I enjoyed lots of things about the program, but my favorite was getting to play with guys from all over the state in the Boys State band.
While attending this program on the campus of Troy University, Andrew also had the opportunity to meet a variety of leaders essential to Alabama’s government, including Senator Katie Britt, Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives Mac McCutcheon, Mayor Steven Reed, former U.S. Congressman Jo Bonner, and Dr. Eric Mackey, Alabama’s Superintendent of Education.
As a rising senior and influencer on PCA’s campus, Andrew would like to encourage fellow students to get involved on campus, in the community, and in local government processes. “I want to make sure that I’m a part of the solution at my school and in my community so I can leave these places better than when I found them,” said Andrew Minton, PCA’s 2022 Boys State delegate. “Boys State was a great opportunity to learn about politics and government, especially as a soon-to-be voter.”
