Last summer, I left my small town of Mascoutah, IL, unknowing that I was about to experience one of the most life-changing weeks of my life. From the first day when I began running for the city office of Mayor, I knew that I was in for a fun, yet challenging, ride. Working on campaign signs and speeches well into the early hours of the morning, I forged friendships that have continued to this day and I presume will last a lifetime. After being elected the city Mayor, I realized that my work at Boys State wasn't over quite yet. While fulfilling my duties to the city, I began a campaign to become Savage County's representative in the Senate. This process involved connecting with many more people than those in my city, so I gathered together a campaign team of some old and new friends to spread my name. The reward came on election day when I found out that I had been elected as a State Senator. Under the encouragement of my counselors and fellow citizens, however, I decided to go even further and run for the office of Lt. Governor. I knew that this would be a huge challenge, and I would be reducing my scant hours of sleep from 5 to something more like 2. I prepared and distributed propaganda all across campus, I introduced myself to as many people as would listen, and I prepared a speech to give in front of over 300 people at the Nationalist Caucus. After I found out that I had advanced past the primaries, I worked even harder to prepare for the general election. Here, I spoke to over 650 people, cramming as much as I could in a 3 minute speech to convince the citizens to vote for me. Unfortunately, my trail ended at the primaries, as I was not elected Lt. Governor, but the experiences gained along the path will last a lifetime. I increased my leadership ability and speaking skills, I learned about the political process through a hands-on environment, I met many lifelong friends, and, most of all, I had the time of my life. These events that took place last year, in just one action-packed week, affected me so much that this year I have come back as a Junior Counselor, and I hope to facilitate the same experiences for the citizens of Boys State in years to come.
I should also note the great financial benefit that Boys State has been for me. Upon arrival last year, I turned in an application for the Samsung Scholarship. At the end of the week, I was recognized at the Final General Assembly as the Illinois Samsung Scholar for 2009. This award was valued at $1,000 to be used at the school of my choice, and my application was sent on to the National level for a chance to win $20,000. This winter, I received a phone call telling me that I had been selected as one of the National Samsung Scholars. Obviously, with rising tuition rates and expensive cost of living, this notification was warmly received at my house. This coming Fall, as I study Aerospace Engineering at Saint Louis University, the scholarship money will be a great benefit to my education.
Boys State has greatly enriched my life, and I would wholeheartedly recommend this program to everyone.
Parry Draper
2009 Illinois Samsung $1000 Scholarship Winner
2009 National Samsung $20,000 Scholarship Winner
Mascoutah High School
Scott Air Force Base, IL