The state of Alabama has never had a President of the United States. We do have the current president of American Legion Boys Nation.
Luke Lawson, a rising high school senior in Headland, was elected president on Tuesday. He had been governor of Boys State.
In addition to his schoolwork as a senior, Luke stays busy in business:
- Works at Jody Singelton CPA
- Co-owner at L&J Auto Detailing
- Marketing sales at Wiregrass Webworks
- Worked at credit applications at TJX- Homegoods
- Future Business Leaders of America
- Former intern at Houston/Henry County District Attorney's office
- Former campaign coordinator for Tim James for Governor
American Legion Boys Nation is an annual program in which high school boys who have participated in their respective Boys State programs are selected to represent their state as senators in a week of mock government activities in Washington, D.C. They participate in senate sessions, form committees, and conduct hearings on bills they introduce. The program emphasizes understanding and appreciating the U.S. democratic republic, aiming to develop leadership, character, and an understanding of government functions.
Each of the 50 states sends two delegates to Boys Nation, called senators. Besides Lawson, Alabama's other Senator this year was Nicholas Frazier of Stanhope Elmore High School in Millbrook.
The senators are divided into the National Party and the Federalist Party. Each party nominates its candidate for president and vice president.
Elections for Boys Nation president and vice president are held after a debate between the candidates.
The 100 boys and the staff are in Washington this week.
Alabama has been quite competitive in Boys Nation. Here are Alabama students who were elected President of Boys Nation:
The late Pettus Randall, Tuscaloosa. (1962)
Charlie Walker (2003)
Jonathan Hess (2012):
Matthew Ellow (2014):
A student from Lacey's Spring was elected Boys Nation president in 2014, narrowly defeating his opponent from Tennessee.
Darius Thomas (2017): From Phenix City.
Here is an iconic photo from Boys Nation in 1963, showing young Arkansas "Senator" Bill Clinton meeting President John F. Kennedy. In four months, JFK would be dead. In 30 years, Clinton would be President of the United States.
Jim' Zig' Zeigler's beat is the colorful and positive about Alabama -- her people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at [email protected].
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