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Luke Swanson of Aberdeen visited the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial while in Washington, D.C., for American Legion Boys Nation. He plans to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy. Courtesy photo.
Most students leave Boys State with a better understanding of the American system of government, new friends and a couple funny stories.
One Aberdeen Central High School senior-to-be also left with a sponsored trip to the nation’s capital.
Luke Swanson was one of two South Dakota Boys Staters selected by the American Legion to attend Boys Nation in Washington, D.C., July 17-24.
Already heavily involved in activities at school, it’s no surprise Swanson wanted to spend part of his summer trying something new. His activities include baseball, track and field, the National Honor Society, the Central Native American Student Association and more. He also helped found the local Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter.
“I was really interested in learning more about how politics work and how the government works at the state level,” Swanson said.
But learning wasn’t his only objective. He arrived at Boys State on the Northern State campus with a clear plan — earning a spot at Boys Nation.
“Going into the week, that was one of my main goals. I talked to my counselors and was like, ‘Hey, this is something I really want to do,’” Swanson said.
Though that was his main focus, Swanson took full advantage of his Boys State experience and quickly got involved.
Swanson elected mayor of New York City at Boys State
At Boys State, high school juniors and seniors learn about state government by forming cities that make up a mock state. Swanson was elected mayor of New York City. Attendees are also assigned a political party. They’re either a Federalist or a Nationalist.
Swanson was a Federalist and had several positions in the party, including assistant secretary, vice chairman and chaplain. He also served in the Senate and was chairman for his county.
Two people from each city are nominated for Boys Nation consideration. They are interviewed throughout the week and graded on a points system.
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Both Boys Nation picks from South Dakota this year were New York City residents. Swanson and Owen Kopfmann from Mitchell learned they’d been chosen during the Boys State closing ceremony.
“I was ecstatic,” Swanson said. “I heard my name and my heart dropped, and I was like, ‘Man, I did it.’”
While Boys State focuses on state government, Boys Nation shifts to the federal level. The program includes 100 participants — two from every state except Hawaii, plus two from the District of Columbia.
The weeklong event is at Marymount University in Arlington, Va., and is also sponsored by the American Legion.
During Boys Nation, Swanson got hands-on experience through a simulated Senate, mock elections and visits to major federal institutions.
Campers saw the White House, Capital Building, Pentagon, U.S. Supreme Court and more. There was also a day they could choose where to go, and Swanson visited the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
“It’s really, truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Just getting a trip down there and meeting a bunch of very bright individuals from each state, it was amazing. The food was great, the events were all planned out really well and we had amazing speakers,” he said.
Luke Swanson, who will be a senior at Central High School when classes resume, was one of 100 Boys Staters chosen to attend Boys Nation earlier this summer. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Blohm of The American Legion.
Favorite Boys Nation speaker a Navy SEAL
Swanson said his favorite speaker was Jason Redman, a retired Navy SEAL officer who served 21 years, was critically wounded in combat, received a Bronze Star with valor and a Purple Heart and is now an author and motivational speaker.
“He had a really good story about what happened in his combat and the kind of mindset you should have going about your life and just the type of things that will help you get through hard times,” Swanson said.
He said he learned not only from the hands-on experiences and speakers, but also from the other attendees.
“It’s really interesting to see guys that have ideologies from every side of the spectrum and to get to know everybody and their view on everything, whatever topics it may be, and to kind of understand their beliefs. You realize, ‘I haven’t looked at it that way.’ And it might change your beliefs, it might not, but it’s interesting to look at it from every side,” Swanson said.
He plans to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy and doesn’t necessarily see a life in politics or government. But, he said, Boys State and Boys Nation have given him an incredible experience that’s strengthened his leadership skills and introduced him to amazing people.
“It was really cool, just leading people and getting to know everybody,” Swanson said. “And it was just a really fun experience.”
