The eight towns of Cornhusker Boys’ State engage in vigorous competition seeking the coveted Outstanding Town Trophy. Points are awarded for most activities during the week and recognize towns for their overall performance.
The 2026 American Legion Cornhusker Boys’ State Outstanding Town trophy is awarded to Belleau Wood.
The Larry Frost Outstanding Athlete Trophy is awarded to the winner of the Pentathlon contest each year at Cornhusker Boys’ State. Delegates from each town compete in a series of events and are awarded points based on their placement.
The 2026 Outstanding Athlete of American Legion Cornhusker Boys’ State is Justus Kreifels of Nebraska City and Lourdes Central High School.
L to R: Cornhusker Boys’ State Corp. President Don Suchy, Outstanding Athlete Justus Kreifels, and Cornhusker Boys’ State Athletic Director Marcus Donner
Cornhusker Boys State Delegate Earns Samsung Scholarship and National Finalist Recognition
A delegate from Cornhusker Boys State has been selected as Nebraska’s recipient of the prestigious Samsung American Legion Scholarship and has advanced as a national finalist for the award.
The Samsung American Legion Scholarship is one of the nation’s premier scholarship programs, recognizing high school students who demonstrate exceptional leadership, academic achievement, community involvement, and a commitment to public service. The scholarship is awarded through American Legion Boys State programs across the country.
The 2026 Samsung Scholarship National Finalist from Nebraska is Evan Lichtenberg of Creighton Prep High School in Omaha. As Nebraska’s state winner, Evan was chosen from a highly competitive field of Boys State participants and advanced to national consideration as one of the top candidates from across the United States.
The recognition reflects the outstanding accomplishments and leadership demonstrated both at Cornhusker Boys State and within the student’s school and community. Being named a national finalist places the delegate among an elite group of young leaders dedicated to serving others and strengthening their communities.
The American Legion Department of Nebraska and Cornhusker Boys’ State congratulate this exceptional young man on his achievement and wish him continued success in his academic and leadership pursuits.
L to R: Lincoln Haussler, Prajwal Mohan, Ben Lanham, Max Mills, Kap Nedunoori, Ryker Schroeder, Landon Drews, & Dylan Layne
The Outstanding Citizen award is a high honor at Cornhusker Boys’ State. Since the award is granted by a secret ballot of their peers, it carries special significance. Outstanding Citizens typically have shown strong character, teamwork, leadership, and have made significant contributions to their town’s culture.
The 2025 Outstanding Citizens are:
| Town | Outstanding Citizen | School |
| Bunker Hill | Lincoln Haussler | Elkhorn South |
| Valley Forge | Prajwal Mohan | Millard North |
| Yorktown | Ben Lanham | Lincoln High |
| Gettysburg | Max Mills | Elkhorn South |
| Alamo | Kap Nedunoori | Millard North |
| Manila Bay | Ryker Schroeder | Bertrand |
| Bataan | Landon Drews | Paxton |
| Belleau Wood | Dylan Layne | Pawnee City |
Cornhusker Boys’ State Delegates Selected for Boys Nation
LINCOLN, NE – Following an outstanding week of leadership, citizenship, and public service at Cornhusker Boys’ State, two delegates have been selected to represent Nebraska at American Legion Boys Nation in Washington, D.C.
Boys Nation brings together top delegates from each Boys State program for an immersive experience in federal government and civic leadership. During the week-long program, delegates participate in forming a mock federal government, campaign for national offices, debate legislation, and gain firsthand insight into the workings of the United States government.
The two delegates selected to represent Cornhusker Boys’ State at the 2026 session of American Legion Boys Nation are Lincoln Haussler of Elkhorn South High School and Quintin Lawson of North Platte High School
Selection to Boys Nation is among the highest honors awarded at Cornhusker Boys’ State and one of the highest honors nationally for rising high school seniors. Delegates are chosen based on their demonstrated leadership, character, participation, communication skills, and commitment to civic engagement throughout the week.
In addition to representing Nebraska, the selected delegates will have the opportunity to meet fellow student leaders from across the country, visit historic national landmarks, and deepen their understanding of the responsibilities and opportunities of American citizenship.
In addition to the two primary delegates selected to serve as Boys Nation Senators, two delegates were named alternates in the event that one of the primary delegates was
unable to attend. Max Mills of Elkhorn South High School and Lailend Duncan of Papillion-LaVista High School were selected as alternates.
L to R: Quintin Lawson, Lincoln Haussler, Lailend Duncan, & Max Mills