MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
Three Trinity Catholic Junior Senior High School seniors are encouraging fellow Reno County students to consider Kansas Boys State, calling the weeklong leadership and government immersion program one of the most impactful experiences of their high-school careers.
John and Jacob Lindstrom and Sam Vogel visited the studio this week to discuss their experience at the 2025 session of Kansas Boys State, a program of the American Legion that brings together hundreds of incoming juniors and seniors from across Kansas for a hands-on simulation of state and local government.
The students described the program as both intense and energizing. Over the course of a week, attendees are assigned to fictional cities and counties, campaign for leadership roles, debate policy, pass budgets, run departments, and operate a full mock government—complete with legislatures, courts, and administrative agencies.
“It’s a government simulation, but it’s also so much more,” said John Lindstrom. “You’re split into towns and counties, you elect leaders, and then you start running a government. You’re creating ordinances, debating ideas, fixing problems, and watching how your decisions impact the simulation. It was incredibly detailed.”
For many, the scale of the experience was the biggest surprise. The students said they arrived expecting a small camp, only to find more than 200 participants representing communities from across Kansas.
“There was a huge, diverse group of kids,” said Vogel. “You’re working with people you’ve never met, from every corner of the state. That alone pushed me out of my comfort zone in a big way.”
Days at Boys State were highly structured, beginning with morning assemblies and flag-raising before launching into a full schedule of meetings, legislative sessions, simulation activities, and collaborative work. Participants also competed in county athletic challenges and took part in evening events.
John Lindstrom served as a city commissioner, managing a fictional city with his peers. “We were up early, and every morning immediately impacted the simulation—writing ordinances, debating issues, and making real decisions,” he said. “You learn very quickly how important teamwork and communication are.”
All three students said the leadership lessons have stuck with them well into their senior year. They’ve applied the communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills gained at Boys State in classes, group projects, and even college applications.
“It taught me how to effectively express ideas, persuade people, and stand out,” Jacob said. “Seeing other students who were really good at it helped me learn from them.”
Boys State’s realistic election process—including party caucuses, speeches, and debates—was especially eye-opening.
“It does model that election process.” Jacob Lindstrom said. “If you’re interested in politics, this is the place to go. Even if you’re not, it teaches leadership in a way that’s hard to get anywhere else.”
While none of the students declared a firm path toward public office, each said the experience broadened their perspective on both government and leadership.
“It made me realize leadership isn’t just one person out front,” John Lindstrom said. “It’s a collaborative effort. You have roles, responsibilities, and people relying on you. That changed how I see leadership going forward.”
Jacob Lindstrom added that the program gave him a deeper appreciation for how complex Kansas government truly is. “There are so many departments and moving parts. Every decision affects someone.”
Despite the political setting, all three stressed that Boys State is not only for those pursuing government careers.
“You don’t have to want to be a politician to benefit,” Vogel said. “It’s one of the best leadership camps you can attend.”
Applications for the 2025 Kansas Boys State program are now open. High-school juniors across Reno County are encouraged to contact their school counselors or visit the Kansas Boys State website for details.