AMERICAN LEGION 2023
FLORIDA BOYS STATE
On December 4, 2023, Boys State Governor Martin Seals addressed the South Miami City Commission. Seals, a Columbus Ex;lorer senior was elected the 79th Governor of Florida Boys State. Welcomed to the podium by Mayor Javier Fernandez, himself a Columbus alum (‘93), Seals spoke of his experiences while participating at Boys State.
Founded in 1935, American Legion Boys State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for U.S. high school students. A participatory program in which students become part of the operation of local, county, and state government. South Miami Post 31 sponsored Christopher Columbus senior Martin Seals, then 17, at the 2023 Boys State held in Tallahassee
from June 17 – 24. In his remarks, Seals noted this “premier youth leadership program builds a mock state replica, forming a city, county, and state government. The result is a fully functional, nonpartisan state led by 500 rising seniors. The program’s motto is ‘learning by doing.’ So, students are both elected to a position and play the role of their position.”
The immersive weeklong experience expands the boys knowledge of the political process and leadership abilities in general. Boys State complements the mock state with education on American government and Florida’s history. Seals noted that the participants were given the opportunity to listen and interact with inspiring speakers: Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey, House of Representative Cabrera, and Florida’s Secretary of State, Cord Byrd.
Seals proudly states that “Boys State effectively and comprehensively educates and exposes us rising seniors to this unique world. Boys State is a diverse community of leaders. Whether you find networking success or just another friend, the program connects students from the panhandle to the Florida Keys. The participants of this program are some of the most successful boys in the state. I participate in Speech and Debate and many tournament winners happen to be Boys State alumni. They comprise JROTC members, sports team captains, valedictorians, and more. And we are all united under the Boys State maxim: God, Honor, and Country.”
friend, the program connects students from the panhandle to the Florida Keys. The participants of this program are some of the most successful boys in the state. I participate in Speech and Debate and many tournament winners happen to be Boys State alumni. They comprise JROTC members, sports team captains, valedictorians, and more. And we are all united under the Boys State maxim: God, Honor, and Country.”
Martin has several college acceptances after graduating Columbus and awaiting other offers. His interests are political science and international affairs and will keep his options open for exploring elected office, a law degree, and the FBI. ADELANTE!
