Hetuck Wednesday 2023

Wednesday, June 14th, Volume 84, Issue 3

SPRAGUE IN HALL OF FAME

Ohio

By Andrew Swartz

On Monday, June 12th, Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague visited American Legion Buckeye Boys State (ALBBS) to speak to the delegates about their significant positions. At the end of his speech, he was inducted into the ALBBS Hall of Fame.

Sprague expressed his feelings about this development, stating, "It's an honor to be a part of this organization and to be a part of the entire week here."

He further emphasized the importance of the program, saying, "So many times people can say what they want, but you look at what they do, and that indicates what they really believe."

Reflecting on his own experience at ALBBS in 1991, Sprague shared his key takeaway, stating, "I remember just a feeling of camaraderie... But I think what meant more to me was being part of the group, and I've never forgotten that. It's about who you become during the pro-

Continued on Pg. 2

White, and Director Jim Koppin celebrate Sprague s induction into the ALBBS Hall of Fame.

Treasurer received award on Monday

Pg. 2 The Hetuck

Continued from Pg. 1

cess, and so that's a big life takeaway for me."

Sprague stated that many 1991 ALBBS delegates remained lifelong friends after the experience. The treasurer also stated that he hopes this year’s delegates will have a similar experience.

Regarding his career in government, Sprague highlighted his interest in public service from a young age. Sprague believes ALBBS inspired him to pursue it as a career, stating, “when I went to Buckeye Boys State, I think it really piqued that interest for me."

Sprague considers his time at ALBBS to be a pivotal time in his life, in which he began actively pursuing his now lifetime career.

"Grateful is probably the best word, because I think this is a great experience for every young person... I'm so thrilled that he has a chance to be a part of the process, to try some new things and learn during the week," Sprague said in reference to his son’s attendance at the program.

Offering advice to current delegates and attendees, Sprague encouraged them to fully em-

brace the experience, stating, "I would say try everything... But I think in addition to that, you gain some friendships that will last a lifetime."

John Looker, member of the ALBBS Hall of Fame Committee, presented the award to Sprague and said, “It was a great experience. He was just so personal when he did his speech, and it related it back to 1991 when he was a Boy Stater, and he and I got to talk quite a bit…I think his speech really spoke to the boys.”

Overall, Sprague's statements reflected his deep appreciation for the organization, his personal growth through participation, and his belief in the value of ALBBS for young individuals.

At the end of the interview, Sprague shared some advice for the delegates. “I would say try everything. I think there's two things you get out of this week. I think number one is an appreciation for your state and for your country and an understanding of citizenship and how the government works. But I think in addition to that, I hope you’ll gain some friendships that will last a lifetime.”

“BBS Express” Drawing by Elden Slack

New Highway Patrol Laws Implemented

By: Landon Turner

As elections and orientations began to wrap up late Tuesday afternoon, many government agencies are preparing to start operation as early as Wednesday morning.

The State Highway Patrol (SHP) is one such group who seeks to monitor the sidewalks of American Legion Buckeye Boys State (ALBBS) for the remainder of the program with newly established laws and regulations that demand delegates to change the way they walk on campus.

These troopers have already set themselves apart from the general crowd with their organized marches and cadence calls. On Tuesday afternoon, the State Highway Patrol gathered to discuss new laws they would implement that would best benefit delegates and other pedestrians at ALBBS.

These include outlawing walking with headphones or cell phones and running on sidewalks during patrol hours. They also strongly urge delegates to remain in the correct lanes when possible and discourage any traveling through the grass.

In an interview with Trooper Kristopher Hrosar of Stockner City, he states that these laws will establish a safer community and will encourage delegates to be more courteous to other residents on the sidewalks.

“I think these laws will prove to be beneficial to the state as a whole and I think people will start to see good changes when traveling,” Hrosar said. “I believe people will adhere to these laws because if they fail to cooperate and don’t follow

these laws, then they will receive a citation”.

Andrew Gillen of Jordan City, an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, feels these laws are just and will help the courts function. “These laws are hopefully going to send people through the courts which allows for delegates to do their jobs,” Gillen states. “Besides, these laws are reasonable and should not be difficult to follow.”

Some delegates and officials are not so quick to agree to these laws, however. Nathan Miller, Mayor of Bishop City, expressed his distaste in the decisions made by the SHP, saying, “These laws are a massive executive overreach. They have passed the laws themselves without any legislative approval. These boys create the laws, interpret the laws, and enforce the laws, which is paramount to tyranny and an affront to this entire program.”

The SHP will have their swearing in ceremony at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 14, and their Highway Patrol Demonstration takes place at 3:30 p.m. that same day. They plan to begin their patrol duties soon after.

Delegates in State Highway Patrol line up for inspection in Millett Hall on Tuesday.

Great Excitement Regarding Governor DeWine Visit

By: Nezar Shakaki

Mike DeWine, the 70th Governor of Ohio, came to visit American Legion Buckeye Boys State (ALBBS) on Wednesday morning. DeWine was eager to give advice at the assembly about how the delegates could use the information taught here in the real world of politics.

During his interview, DeWine said that an important idea that delegates are taught is the concept of voter contact.

“

It is making sure that the voter understands what you stand for. Making sure the voter understands that you care about them,” DeWine commented. “The way you do that is to get out and literally talk to as many people as you can.”

DeWine also gave some advice regarding dealing with election results. “When running for office, one of two things can happen. You might win; you can also lose. A lot of people are not willing to deal with the procedures, handling rejection.”

Prior to DeWine’s visit, many delegates shared their positive views on the governor, emphasizing his unifying and careful job as governor.

Tressel Holton of Peltier City said, “It’s really difficult to determine success from leadership. I’d say [DeWine has succeeded as a leader], because the biggest test of leadership, in my opin-

ion, is one’s response to a crisis. With COVID-19, DeWine took direct action quickly and efficiently.”

Nick Szekely of Dieringer City shared his excitement by saying, “I will say that I am pretty excited. It is not a super common occasion where anyone gets to meet some form of official, especially the guy that governs the entirety of Ohio.”

Szekely added that DeWine’s presence would “bring a sense of realism.” He continued, “this person literally exists and is doing what we are mocking right now I think him coming here shows that what we are doing is real.”

Following DeWine’s visit, delegates shared their satisfaction with the experience. Colin Moore of Peltier City stated, “I thought it was pretty cool [to see DeWine]. I never thought I'd be able to get that close to someone like him, someone so high up in the government.”

Likewise, when Dennis Sutt of Allen City was questioned about how he thought DeWine’s visit would impact the delegates, he answered, “I feel like the answers that he had will benefit the people actually doing those positions, because they now have some outside help from a real politician.”

DeWine’s visit serves as a reminder that the activities at ALBBS are representative of real, serious policy.

Contributed by Connor Campbell

Federalist Landslide” Drawing by Elden Slack