American Legion Post #99 funds annual trip
By Jack Reaney SENIOR EDITOR
From June 8 to 14, five students from Lone Peak High School traveled to Carroll College in Helena to learn about civic engagement at the annual Boys and Girls State program.
The program is hosted by the Montana American Legion, and Big Sky’s Post #99 of the American Legion pays the full tuition for Big Sky’s annual entrants. Students learn about the functions of government, importance of democracy and public service, and have the opportunity to run for local and state positions in a mock government scenario.
Lone Peak teacher and legion member Tony Coppola selects rising seniors each year who demonstrate interest in political science and history. This year’s participants were Brady Johnson and Oliver McGuire for Boys State, and Harper Morris, Elise Daugherty and Taran Gilbert for Girls State.
“It’s a good opportunity for them to learn leadership skills, collaboration skills, working in a group… I think it’s an important opportunity for them to create bonds with kids outside of the Big Sky area, but also to learn how our government works,” Coppola told EBS in a phone call.
He noted it’s an “awesome” chance to meet government officials such as senators and the Montana secretary of state, and that it’s essential for kids to learn how government works in today’s complicated political landscape.
Jack Hudspeth, captain of Big Sky’s Post #99, said the group is proud to continue their tradition of sponsoring the Big Sky participants—the five students’ combined tuition cost $1,500 this year. He said formal civics education has changed over the years, and the program might be the best opportunity for students to understand the functions of government.
“There are some kids that may end up eventually getting into our government, and this gives them a head start,” Hudspeth told EBS in a phone call. “We think that it’s good for the United States of America… That’s our purpose in life, to ensure that our government remains, and our systems of government.”
Students reflect on personal growth
Big Sky students had a strong showing, being elected to positions including Montana Supreme Court and Montana Senate minority leader.
Elise Daugherty was elected as mayor of fictional Agate City, and as a supreme court justice. The experience taught her that she has potential to work in politics, with newly discovered confidence after she took a chance and stepped into a leadership role.
“Before Girls State, I didn’t think I could work well with people or lead large groups,” Daugherty wrote in an email to EBS. “… I was hesitant about running for mayor at first, but my peers encouraged me, and I ended up winning by a landslide. After the votes were announced, I understood what I was capable of and adopted a version of myself that I rarely show around my peers. I was able to take charge, make important decisions quickly, and advise others on serious matters.”
Her newfound traits enabled her appointment to the Montana Supreme Court.
Her experience illuminated the dark side of political power, citing “slight corruption” at Girls State including plagiarized bills, rumors of rigged elections, and “sordid attempts to tear down political opponents.”
“Although it was a mock government system, real issues did arise occasionally, and I am proud to say they were handled swiftly and effectively,” Daugherty wrote. “I’m truly happy to now know that if I take risks, the reward is within my reach if I work hard enough.”
Brady Johnson was proud to represent Big Sky and LPHS, thanking Coppola and former teacher Jeremy Harder, and Big Sky’s American Legion members for supporting his trip.
In an email, Johnson reflected on the unexpected friendships he made.
“After the first couple hours we were all having a great time and this showed me that the people of Montana can come together for the greater good,” Johnson wrote. “I met people that will be friends forever and I hope to continue cherishing those relationships.”
Appointed as a supreme court justice, Johnson also credited the program for providing leadership experience to prepare participants for the future.
“Going to Boys State helped me see that the state is very diverse in cultures and political views. It also allowed for me to get a much better understanding of how our Montana state government works. This is essential for the younger generation to acknowledge and understand the inner working of our state government,” he wrote.
Taran Gilbert served as clerk of the court and walked away understanding the value of surrounding oneself with more knowledgeable people.
“My other takeaway is that there is no harm in putting yourself out there and being wrong. You will never learn if you don’t ever make mistakes or try,” Gilbert wrote in an email.
Gilbert learned just how many people are involved in day-to-day government operations. “Everything makes a little bit more sense when you realize that the governor has people who then have more people under them. You start to see how things are able to change so quickly and why some other things take so long,” she wrote.
Oliver McGuire served as Montana Senate minority leader. Entering with a limited understanding of state politics, he gained an appreciation for “the diverse array of opinions and values that the youth in Montana hold as well as the ability to hold structured debate rather than arguments about any differences,” McGuire wrote.
He was also surprised by the number of people in government, even at the state level.
Finally, Harper Morris ran for Chief Justice, a process requiring a nerve-wracking speech to the entire group. While she didn’t get the position, she found the experience rewarding.
She had two takeaways: first, that anyone can make a difference in society if they commit their determination to putting themselves, their ideas and their perspective; second, the value of doing things that make you uncomfortable.
“I know that’s very cliché but its so true,” Morris wrote in an email. “I’m not a very good public speaker but it was such a good experience for me to get up in front of everyone and speak for five minutes.”
She learned about the judicial system, and how Montana state politics function over a span of 10 years, condensed into a week.
“And we not only got to see and learn about how the system worked but actually be put in to the positions that make it work,” Morris wrote. “… Overall, I’m so grateful for our local American Legion, Post 99, and to Mr. Coppola for the opportunity. Not only did I make some amazing connections with kids from across the state, I enjoyed the deep dive into how government is supposed to work—with listening, compromise and consideration.”
