Darius Thomas, a Phenix City resident and rising senior at Central High School, has been elected president of Boys Nation in Washington, D.C. He is the first Phenix City resident to hold the position.
In an interview with the Ledger-Inquirer, Thomas was elated to be elected to the position saying, “It just means a lot to me, and the fact that I won is just so honorable. For me to win out of all 97 of them, it’s such a big deal for me.”
Boys Nation is an extension of Boys State—a summer leadership and citizenship program sponsored by The American Legion. At Boys State (and Girls State) the participants hold mock elections and participate in government proceedings. Boys and Girls State delegates (one from each high school) are usually nominated during their junior year. Thomas was elected governor of this year’s Alabama Boys State, which made him eligible for Boys Nation.
The first Boys Nation convened at American University in Washington in 1946 and the organization’s rich history is an honorable distinction for the teens that participate. A number of its graduates have been elected to public office, including presidents, congressmen, state governors and state legislators. Many others have been inspired to work for the campaigns of individuals seeking public office.
Once they arrive in D.C., the delegates act as “senators” from their respective states. They draft mock legislation, debate the measures, and learn how bills become law. They also have the opportunity to meet their Congressional delegation, tour the Capitol, and visit Washington’s historical sites. Thomas spent much of his time giving various speeches and holding debates. After an intense election process, he was elected president by a vote of 55 to 43.
As president, Thomas will get to sign and debate pieces of legislation introduced by his senate. He will also get a chance to meet members of Congress and shake hands with President Trump.
When asked about his humble beginnings in Phenix City, Thomas told the Ledger-Inquirer:
“I come from a small city, and [people] may have a depreciated respect from my state. I want to kind of restore that… I’m proud of the fact that I cam from Phenix City because it made me what I am.”
Thomas has been awarded scholarships to the University of Alabama and Auburn University. He plans to major in Political Science and hopefully one day make it in politics, maybe as the Governor of Alabama. A young man with great ambition and humility such as Thomas would make a great addition to the leaders of our state.
