Dear Editor,
The first steps into Eastern Illinois University I took will stay with me forever. I got out of the bus after a couple hours to attend this university for Boy’s State.
“Impressive, but I do not think too overwhelming,” I thought as I walked past the flagpole bearing the flag that unites all. I later realized I had not truly come to appreciate that flag. I had not been able to properly greet the flag and all the souls, tears, and blood that flag stands for.
I walked past groups of boys playing frisbee. I heard laughter, chuckles, and a few curses at teams for winning. I minded my own business, unaware that in the next few days these boys would become my closest friends, my brothers; having created memories that bring me to tears as I recall them.
Boy’s State was supposed to be a leadership program in which we learn about the system of government that runs our country. I was to be assigned to one county out of eight; one town out of 24, all under one state. Throughout the week, I learned why we salute the flag, really understanding why I am proud to call myself American. I would have never imagined I would leave with memories that changed my very being.
I entered the rec-center, greeted by my counselor, an incredible man named Scott Walker. Little did I know Scott would become one our of greatest friends. He provided mentorship, becoming a big brother to all of us. He and the other incredible counselors helped create a memory worth taking home. He and the others made Boy’s State phenomenal.

Their names flood my mind now: Scott, Josh, Desmond, Brody, Troy, and Mason. The laughter, tears, brotherhood, awards and recognition, the blood, sweat, and tears we all pumped into our team was beyond phenomenal. You see, brotherhood is a term loosely used today in my opinion. People use it to portray a sense of alliance behind people.
However, when it comes to brotherhood in Boy’s State, it is so much more. When we talk about brotherhood, we are talking about family. When you are assigned to your county, your city, your team, you see how we all operate. We protect, care, and support one another. They did not care what kind of past you had, what scars you burdened you bear, or whatever reason you came for. You were home. You were family.
Throughout that week I noticed things. Every lesson was more than just text, it was a manner of life that as citizens use everyday. Meetings were to see if everyone was okay and know we were a team.
Every single person had a goal. Whatever your purpose, you were guaranteed to leave with more than you anticipated. Boy’s State in its own way is meant to be secretive, so I cannot reveal much. However, I will share with you one motto that was repeated constantly and for good reason. “This week is what you make of it”. Whatever you choose to make of your time, is what you get back. Such an appropriate motto for such an indescribable place.
That Boy’s State journey is reserved for those who want and deserve to come out a better person. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity, so take the leap, and try out to be the next candidate.
I want to say thank you to the American Legion Post 403 for making such a journey possible, for making the opportunity of a lifetime real. I wish to extend my sincerest thank you to Commander Steve Korth, Mr. and Mrs. Schinzer for sponsoring me, and for the entire American Legion for cheering me on from the sidelines.
I also need to say thank you for my family. Especially my mother who looked me in the eye, and told me to take this program when it was offered. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be here telling you this story. Thank you mom, I love you. Thank you to my brothers, Max, Nathan, and my friend Phil for always loving me and supporting me as well. I love you guys. Thank you for everything.
This adventure was not a reflection of myself, but of what other people saw in me. They say that I could do it, and I did. For them. Thank you for everything.
Justin Julian
RTHS senior