Sargent Carpenter gave us his opinion on this year’s recruits, and what they have done and will do the rest of the week.

Wednesday night, the American Legion West Virginia Boys State performed the annual formal review. All cabins marched and stood at attention in the pouring rain while proud parents watched the transformation of their children to the men of tomorrow. Citizens marched passed the governor when they were done with the field and marched straight into the cattle barn. Parents and citizens alike got settled in and watched Americanism ceremonies as well as two eloquent speakers. Buddie Curnette and Woody Williams both entertained and excite their respected crowd. After speakers were finished several presentations by the Boys State Choir and Boys State band to end the formal review. Once citizens and parents alike exited the livestock unit everyone caught up with the parents that attended and headed back to their jobs or assignments. The formal review revealed to the parents what Boys State is about and the life long

Five hours after arrival on the first day of boys state, every citizen is required to take the ALMBS bar exam. This test determines eligibility to run for a legal office such as a judge or lawyer. The most exemplified students and cottage are underscored by this article from staff reporter Gene Bailey.

Bar Exam Results Proves Boys State Citizens Are Judicious

By Gene Bailey

Of the 348 citizens at Mountaineer Boys State, one-third of the citizens passed the infamous bar exam. Monroe Cottage attained the highest average on the state’s campus overall. Additionally, two citizens tied for the highest scoring individual exam. Chad Hollandsworth of Kanawha Cottage and Jamie Austin Rose of Harrison Cottage received an astounding 82% on the exam. Considering Mountaineer Boys State is a haven for academically-gifted students statewide, it is an honor to be among the examiners that passed the

Mister Hershel Woody Williams was born on October 2, 1923 in Fairmont, West Virginia. In 1943, Williams enlisted in the Marine Corps in Charleston. He was trained in the Marine Recruit Depot in San Diego, California, and became part of the 32nd Replacement Battalion which was sent to the southwest Pacific. In January 1944, he joined the 3rd Marine Division and later in the year took action against the Japanese at Guam.

In 1945, Williams was shipped to Iwo Jima where he would be recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty. He charged the enemy lines with only a flamethrower and four riflemen backing him up. He led the charge multiple times during the war and was distinguished as a great soldier. He later received a Purple Heart and the Congressional Medal of Honor. Currently he is the only living Congressional Medal of Honor in the state of

The American legion, formed in 1919, is an organization for honorably discharged veterans. In the American Legion, they focus on giving back to their communities. They have many programs that focus on helping children and families of veterans. These programs include, but do not exclude, Boys State, Junior Shooting Sports, and many more. Along with programs, the American legion rewards honorable citizen with awards like the Eagle Scout of the Year Award.  The American Legion also offers scholarships to honorable students.

Trey Westerfeld

Every year, the American Legion holds the Oratorical Contest. The Oratorical Contest is a contest in which students give memorized speeches about the Constitution. These students are then given the opportunity to advance to regionals, states and finally nationals, all based on their speech and interpretation of a random amendment selected by judges. In final the students who place in the top three of the nation win $18,000(1^st), $16,000(2^nd), or $14,000(3^rd). Even if the individual student does not go to finals, they are still given the opportunity to win money. This is a great chance to earn money for college or spending.

 

Trey Westerfeld

As everyone knows, there was a storm Wednesday night with rather strong winds and rainfall. These winds resulted in a large tree near Panhandle becoming damaged and falling into the street, so the staff issued that the tree be cut down. This action took place after breakfast.

The workers proceeded to remove the limbs before cutting a section of the tree until only five feet of the tree remained. They then used the bucket of a tractor to ram into the top until it toppled over leaving a stump and taking care of the problem the damaged tree had presented.

Garrett Willis

On Wednesday, at approximately 4:20, troopers responded to a report in Lewis County that there were shots fired. Upon arrival, the victim was discovered to be dead due to gunshot wounds. The police located one suspect who was later taken into custody. It appears that the initial altercation started at the Red Apple Tavern. The investigation is ongoing.

Jacob Wilkinsin

Thank you Nicholas O’Donnell for understanding what the Medal of Honor is all about.  The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States. It is generally presented to its recipient by the President of the United States of America in the name of Congress.

On December 9, 1861, Iowa Senator James W. Grimes introduced S. No. 82 in the United States Senate, a bill designed to “promote the efficiency of the Navy” by authorizing the production and distribution of “medals of honor.”  On December 21st, the bill was passed, authorizing 200 such medals be produced “which shall be bestowed upon such petty officers, seamen, land men, and maries as shall distinguish themselves by their gallantry in action and other seamanlike qualities during the present war (Civil War).”   Medal