by Eric | 1 Jun 2026 | 2026, Bunker Hill, Alamo, Legislative, Valley Forge, Bataan, Yorktown, Belleau Wood, Gettysburg, Recent Posts
Motions, Seconds, and Votes! City Councils and School Boards Hold First Meetings
City and School Boards held their inaugural meetings at Cornhusker Boys’ State. The mock government simulation allowed them to practice the duties and responsibilities of their offices. Delegates engaged in spirited debate about the issues of the day and passed many local laws and policies. The topics range from serious issues ripped from the headlines to fun local ordinances to enhance their town’s culture. The government simulation runs throughout the week. Thank you to the local attorneys who helped guide delegates through the experience.
by Eric | 1 Jun 2026 | 2026, Legislative, Executive, Featured Stories, Judicial, Uncategorized
The Cornhusker Boys’ State delegates began their government simulation experience last night with their local elections. Today, these students are learning the ropes from state and area leaders before they hold their first city and school board meetings to debate their local policies.
Thank you to the following presenters who shared their expertise with our delegates:
- Attorney Steve Gealey – State Court System and How It Works
- Brandon Metzler, Clerk of the Legislature – Unicameral Legislature and How It Works
- Attorney John Zimmer and Mayor Dave Bauer – City Government and How It Works
- Jack Russell, Nate Grasz, and Lillian Butler-Hale – Lobbying and Political Action Committees
- Marcia Herring, Nebraska Association of School Boards – School Boards: Roles and Responsibilities
- Dr. John Skretta, Superintendent of Lincoln Public Schools – “Strong Minds, Strong Men”
by Eric | 1 Jun 2026 | 2026, Top Stories, Featured Stories
It’s picture day. The boys posed for town photos in front of iconic Memorial Stadium on the University of Nebraska campus in Lincoln. Official town portraits will be available before the end of the week.
by Eric | 1 Jun 2026 | 2026, Featured Slider, Top Stories
American Legion Cornhusker Boys’ State Elects 2026 Town Mayors
American Legion Cornhusker Boys’ State participants have elected their town mayors, marking an important milestone in the program’s hands-on approach to civic leadership and government.
Following spirited campaigns and elections, delegates selected student leaders to serve as mayors for their respective towns. The newly elected mayors will help guide town activities, lead meetings, and represent their communities throughout the week as citizens experience the responsibilities of public service and local government.
The following delegates were elected mayor by their Boys’ state town.
- Bunker Hill – Lailend Duncan, Papillion (Papillion-LaVista HS)
- Valley Forge – Nathan Latacha, Omaha (Elkhorn South HS)
- Yorktown – Enzo Manzitto, Omaha (Elkhorn South HS)
- Gettysburg – Max Mills, Elkhorn (Elkhorn South HS)
- Alamo – Kap Nedunoori, Omaha (Millard North HS)
- Manila Bay – Ben Heirigs, North Platte (St. Patrick HS)
- Bataan – Nicholas Krapfl, Omaha (Westview HS)
- Belleau Wood – Sonny Harley, Omaha (Central HS)
The mayoral elections provided delegates with a firsthand look at the democratic process, from campaigning and public speaking to voting and leadership. These experiences are a cornerstone of the Boys’ State program, which seeks to develop informed, engaged, and responsible future leaders.
Congratulations to all elected mayors and to every delegate who participated in the election process. Their enthusiasm and commitment to civic engagement continue the proud tradition of American Legion Cornhusker Boys’ State.
by Eric | 31 May 2026 | 2026, Featured Stories, Recent Posts, Uncategorized
The 2026 session of Cornhusker Boys’ State officially began this week, welcoming hundreds of Nebraska’s top high school juniors for an immersive leadership and civic engagement experience. Sponsored by The American Legion, the weeklong program provides participants with a hands-on opportunity to learn about government, public service, and responsible citizenship by creating a mock state government. Throughout the session, delegates will campaign for office, participate in legislative and judicial activities, engage distinguished guest speakers, and develop leadership skills that will serve them well in their communities and future careers. The camp has been held annually on the University of Nebraska campus in Lincoln since 1938.
Below are some photos of the students arriving on campus this afternoon.
