American Legion Post 541 was proud to send Ian Jones as the Continental High School representative to Buckeye Boys State. Buckeye Boys State, a week long study of how government works, was held on the campus of Bowling Green State University from June 8 to 15. Over 1400 boys from across Ohio were in attendance at Buckeye Boys State.
Ian resided in the Buckeye Boys State city of Allen, which is in the county of Galbraith. Just like our state government, the boys elect everyone from the Governor to House of Representatives, as well as delegates to the city, mayor, and school board. Ian campaigned unsuccessfully for a House of Representative position, losing out by only 2 votes. Boy Staters who are not elected to a position are then appointed to other jobs. Ian served as the Secretary of Hamilton Water and Sewage, where he collected payments for utilities. One of the highlights of this job was to send a late payment notice to the Boys State Governor.
While at Boys State, Ian was active in the Boys State band and choir. These activities took up the majority of afternoon free time . Guest Director for the week was the Ohio State University Marching Band Director Jon Waters, who led the band in the state-wide favorite, “Hang on Sloopy.”( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Phuq98qND4k&feature=youtu.be)
While at Buckeye Boys State, Ian was nominated for the Outstanding Citizen Award. To received this award, the delegate has to show traits that set him apart from the other delegates. Following the nomination process by an adult Legion member, the awards are then handed out at the Friday evening assembly. There are only 20 of these awards presented each year, and Ian was able to bring one home.
Ian was not the only Continental High School representative at Buckeye Boys State. Gabe Recker, 2014 CHS graduate and 2013 Buckeye Boys State delegate, spent the week as dormitory supervisor and editorial supervisor for The Hetuck, the Buckeye Boys State daily newspaper.
–Mike Jones
