July 16, 2025 - Two Mexico High School students recently returned from a transformative experience at the 85th session of the American Legion Boys State of Missouri, held June 21–28 at Lindenwood University in St. Charles. Nearly 900 high school juniors from across the state participated in the eight-day, hands-on leadership and citizenship program designed to immerse students in the workings of government, democracy, and public service.

Jacob Quinlan and Jude Yancey were among those selected to represent their communities in what has become one of Missouri’s most respected leadership traditions.

Quinlan, who served as a county clerk, said he was initially unsure about attending but quickly became engaged in the experience. “I wanted to go because my dad, coach, and brother all said it was something I needed to do,” he shared. “My favorite part was meeting new people and helping run our county government. Our county report ended up being ranked best out of the eight counties, which was exciting.”

As county clerk, Quinlan worked alongside two other clerks to write meeting reports, draft ordinances, and organize their county’s final report, a key factor in the competition for “model county.” Their hard work earned them a second-place finish overall, with the highest-ranked county report. “I enjoyed my role because it was so important to our success,” he added. “I also learned a lot about how local governments operate, which is something I hadn’t really thought about before.”

Yancey, who was elected as a county commissioner, said he was drawn to the program because of its similarities to Missouri’s Youth and Government (YAG) program. “Everyone told me I’d like it, and they were right,” he said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better group of gentlemen to be in a city with. Representing them as county commissioner was an honor.”

In addition to participating in local government simulations, Yancey also attended the School of International Affairs. “It was fascinating to see how local government can affect the world, and how the world, in turn, can affect local government,” he said.

Missouri Boys State teaches students the power of the individual to enact change through leadership, civic engagement, and service. Over the course of the week, participants formed governments, debated policy, passed laws, enforced justice, created businesses, and built lifelong bonds.

“There really is no way to describe the bond you feel with the people you spend the week with,” Yancey added. “By the end of it, these people are your brothers. I recommend it to anyone who’s thinking about going; it truly is a week to shape a lifetime.”

Founded on the idea that democracy is best learned by practicing it, the Missouri Boys State program continues to shape future leaders by showing them that their voice and actions matter.