Video: Boys State Delegates Get Hands On Lessons In Leadership, Teamwork

OXFORD, MISS. (WCBI) – Will Farmer is spending part of his lunch hour in the Ole Miss Rebel Market, campaigning.

Farmer is running for governor in the state of “Magnolia” representing the Nationalist Party and he has some campaign talking points from the party’s platform.

“There will be smoke free facilities in the state of Magnolia. It’s important because possibly, there are many side effects that come with smoking, if you don’t want to be part of smoking, at least have designated areas for it,”Farmer said, explaining one of his party’s platform positions.

It’s all part of a week long, hands on lesson in leadership and government at the American Legion Boys State Meeting.

“Whole point of all this is to get leaders to push other leaders, cultivating many of the leaders across the state, young men who excel in sports, high academics, arts , music and get them to interact with one another as well as learn the state and local process here in Mississippi,” said Britton Smith, Conference Director.

More than 330 delegates from across the state spend the week on the Ole Miss Campus.

They listen to guest speakers, such as Attorney General Jim Hood.

“It’s probably one of the best programs we have in the state, they go to law school, medical school, they do well in society,” Attorney Gen. Hood said.

They also cast votes in the state of Magnolia and although this political system is imaginary, the skills these young men are learning can serve them in high school and beyond.

“Meeting everyone, getting to know everyone, strengthening my debate skills,” said Delegate Sam Morgan, from Oxford.

“Leadership is a big part of this and also learning how to work with others, it is a very collaborative effort here, meeting different people and getting myself out there so I definitely will take that back to Meridian with me,” said Delegate Joshua Williams, from Meridian.

Throughout the rest of the week, delegates will hammer out laws for the state of Magnolia, and all of the counties and towns they represent.

Boys State will hold its annual meeting next year at Ole Miss.