PHS junior Devon Archer, 17, of Perry has been chosen by American Legion Post 85 to attend the annual Iowa Hawkeye Boys State June 12-17 at Camp Dodge in Johnston.
Archer is the son of James Archer of Perry and Gretchen Stevensen of Grimes. He has three brothers: Seth, Chase and Riese. Archer is one of several hundred young men to attend Iowa Hawkeye Boys State, open to students who have completed their junior year of high school.
During the five-day conference, the young people study city, county and state government and learn to administer the laws of Iowa. Other activities include participating in legislative sessions, campaigning, holding party rallies, debating and voting, all contributing to the young people’s deeper knowledge of parliamentary procedure.
In addition to their political activities, the boys hear motivational speakers and several local and state government officials. The week culminates June 17 with the final general assembly, when awards and scholarships are announced.
A graduate of St. Patrick’s School in Perry, Archer’s studies at PHS currently include biology, British literature, mathematical analysis, trigonometry, chemistry, Spanish III and advanced-placement history. His extracurricular activities are basketball, football, swimming and track, and he is a member of the high school drama department and the mock trial club.
After graduating from PHS, Archer intends to take a pre-med curriculum in college, with the long-term goal of specializing in orthopedics or a related branch of medicine.
Archer was chosen by the members of Perry’s American Legion Post 85 to attend Iowa Hawkeye Boys State on the basis of interest, leadership and scholastic qualities, according to Post Commander Mike Kelley.
Iowa Hawkeye Boys State is sponsored by the Iowa Department of the American Legion. Student delegates will be supervised by commissioners of Iowa Hawkeye Boys State, the Iowa Highway Patrol, agencies of Iowa government, the Iowa National Guard, the U. S. Military Services and Military Academies, members of professional career fields -– such as attorneys, college admission counselors and teachers –- and former Iowa Hawkeye Boys State delegates. Staff are always available for assistance.
