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Source: KOLN/KGIN
400 Nebraska teenagers have joined the likes of Bill Clinton, Michael Jordan and Tom Brokaw - as graduates of Boys State.
The program, started by the American Legion in 1935, gives young men a hands on lesson about state government and on meeting life's challenges.
"You learn that something that was important enough to put your life and energy into it, is also important enough to complete," said U.S. Senator Ben Nelson, a 1958 Boys State Alum, as he spoke of lessons learned as a member 51 years ago, to a group of potential future leaders.
Nelson recounted his path to political success and encouraged Nebraska's youth to set and achieve big goals.
"Expect success and then be prepared to live with that success," said Nelson. "I think they learn as I did that you can run for office, that you can participate in it or you can work in it."
Aaron Zabawa, Co. Chief Counselor for Boys State Nebraska, said this years message is about getting teenagers to step up and grab the baton, so to speak.
"Our future is in their hands and we're counting on them to keep Nebraska a great place to live."
For one week about 400 boys from across the state - all going into their senior year - come together to learn the ins and outs of local government.
"And essentially we operate as a state for a week. We have towns, counties..we elected a governor," said Zabawa.
Bryce Cayn of Omaha applied to be a part of Boys State out of curiosity and is leaving with a sense of accomplishment.
"More than half of the knowledge I have now, I gained here this week," said Cayn. "Its amazing how much there is to learn about our government that we don't learn in schools. Everything I could know or would want to know, I had access to and it was amazing."
Edson Deoliveira of Ewing said he's not surprised by the interest in current events and the legal system from students his age.
"We're a new generation coming up and kind of interested in all these different areas and all these different ideas kind of bring forth the best in us," said Deoliveira.
But the message runs deeper than a history or legal lesson. This is a lesson on life and the opportunities at these young fingertips.
"When people would tell me it isn't possible. I said yes it is," Sen. Nelson told the group, speaking about the obstacles he's overcome.
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