Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
Barnwell High School will be well represented at both Boys State and Girls State.
The 2024 representatives going to Girls State are Timoni Howell and Rebecca Richardson. The Boys State representatives are Peyton Wood, Kaleb Wilson, Dustin Jones, Cameron Austin, and Nicholas Jones. The seven will travel to Anderson University for the boys and Presbyterian College for the girls for the week of June 9-15.
For those unfamiliar with Boys State and Girls State, the American Legion’s Boys State and the American Legion Auxiliary Palmetto Girls State programs offer a distinctive opportunity for young men and women, between their junior and senior years, to understand the American system of government and politics by engaging in a mock governmental system. Both programs stand out for their multifaceted learning environment. Besides participating in a simulated government system, participants can explore potential career paths through various specialized schools. These include the Performing Arts School, Criminal Justice Academy, and Law School, each providing unique insights and experiences.
Former speakers include Senator Strom Thurmond, Senator Ernest F. “Fritz” Hollings, Governor and U.S. Superintendent of Education, the honorable Dick Riley, former S.C. Governor and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, the honorable Nikki Haley, current Governor, the honorable Henry McMaster, Senator Lindsey Graham, and Senator Tim Scott.
Being selected to Boys State or Girls State is an honor in itself, but colleges and universities often see this a huge boost to those collegiate applications. Students can not “apply” to Boys State or Girls State, but must be nominated by American Legion representatives, principals, and school guidance counselors.
Peyton Wood plans to possibly attend the College of Charleston. He was asked about Boys State and said, “I wanted to attend Boys State because I feel it will look good when I go to apply for a college. My dad had attended Boys State during his time at Blackville-Hilda High school.”
Cameron Austin just committed to play baseball for the University of South Carolina and plans to major in finance. “I wanted to go to Boys State because I heard it was just such an amazing experience and that it will be something you will remember for the rest of your life! I know many people who have attended Boys State in the past including my dad who told me it was a week where you will meet many new faces and make memories that last for a lifetime,” he said.
Kaleb Wilson is undecided as to which four-year college he will attend but plans to major in business. “I've heard it was a fun experience from a lot of different people and I would like to learn more about how our government works. My dad attended many years ago. He really enjoyed it and encouraged me to go,” he said.
Nicholas Jones plans to earn a double major in political science and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), then go to law school. “I wanted to go because I have a keen interest in government. It also looks great on a college application. I actually don't know of anyone personally who has attended Boys State. So we'll see what stories I can bring back,” he said.
Dustin Jones plans to go to college and become a software engineer. He said he wanted to go because “it just seemed like a fun experience.” He did not know anyone that attended Boys State, but is looking forward to the opportunity.
Representing Barnwell High School at Girls State will be Timoni Howell. She plans to attend college and major in political science and minor in public administration. “I want to go to Girls State because it will help me get a better grasp at government and law. I know multiple people who have gone to Girls State,” she said.
Rebecca Richardson plans to go to the University of South Carolina for nursing and looks to go into anesthesiology. “I wanted to attend Girl State because I want to meet girls my age that share similar goals. Many of my aunts and cousins have attended. My brother was also a counselor at Boy State. I have heard many stories about making lifelong friendships over the week of Girl State!” she said.
Barnwell High School has a great group of young men and young ladies heading for a memorable week of Boys State and Girls State this June. The experiences will no doubt be memorable and hopefully help each participant in their future careers.
