(Photo submitted) Arvin Schmidt, Boy's State Coordinator from Everly's American Legion Post No. 414 with Boy's State participants Dan Otto and Peter Buchan, and Jack St. Peters, District Boy's State Coordinator and Boy's State Counselor, from Spencer Post No. 1. Missing from photo is Aaron Brockshus, Kasey Kunzman and from Royal's Post, Roger Stephas.

Dan Otto, Peter Buchan, Aaron Brockshus, and Kasey Kunzman were among Iowa teens across the state taking part at American Legion "Hawkeye" Boy's State, a week long event held at Camp Dodge in Des Moines since 1938.

Approximately 600 young men between their junior and senior years in high school are brought together to learn more about the American form of government and to improve their understanding of Americanism and patriotism. Fifty states throughout America with some 25,000 young men annually experience government in a practical sense by actually participating in it. The program has historically been the springboard for many to careers in public service. Others benefit by their participation and developing friendships with their fellow citizens while joining a common fraternity that extends long after the on-site program ends.

The week includes all the boys being nominated within a two party system to either a state, county or city position. All boys then do campaigning and elections are held. Those losing the elections proceed to getting an appointed position. The rest of the week is spent actually setting up and running "Boy's State Government." The program includes 24 cities, 6 counties and a complete state government including judicial, legislative, senatorial and executive branches.

Boy' State also has choir, band, law department and Highway State Patrol Programs. The week is ended with a tour of the State Capitol in downtown Des Moines.