Dylan Franco of Lead Hill, Michael Haines of Diamond City, and Isaac Majano of Lead Hill, students at Lead Hill High School, have been selected to represent their school and community at Arkansas Boys State 2026, the American Legion-sponsored leadership and civic engagement experience for high school juniors.
Franco, Haines, and Majano will join young men from across Arkansas for the program's 85th summer session, held May 24-29 at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. Known as "a week that shapes a lifetime," Arkansas Boys State gives students the opportunity to experience democracy, leadership and public service through a hands-on model of local and state government.
"Arkansas Boys State is designed for students like Dylan, Michael, and Isaac - young men who are ready to step forward, challenge themselves and think deeply about how they can serve their communities," said Lloyd Jackson, executive director of Arkansas Boys State. "Their nomination reflects the confidence others have in their character, leadership potential and commitment to making a difference."
During the week, they will be assigned to a political party, city and county. Working alongside other delegates, they will help build a mock government from the ground up by running for office, drafting and debating legislation, addressing community challenges and engaging with constituents. The program's guiding principle, "Democracy Depends on Me," encourages students to understand civic responsibility not as an abstract idea, but as something they practice firsthand.
In addition to the government simulation, delegates participate in leadership discussions, real-world instructional tracks, recreation, political rallies, keynote lectures and question-and-answer sessions with business, civic, political and social leaders. Students also experience college life by living in residence halls, eating in campus dining facilities and taking part in a full schedule of activities throughout the week.
"Students leave Arkansas Boys State with more than a stronger understanding of government," Jackson said. "They leave with new friendships, greater confidence in communicating their views and a deeper sense of responsibility to lead for the common good. We are excited for Dylan, Michael, and Isaac to be part of this life-changing experience."
Arkansas Boys State has developed more than 60,000 alumni since its founding in 1940, including local, state, national and international leaders. Past participants include President Bill Clinton, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, former White House Chiefs of Staff Mack McLarty and Jack Watson Jr., U.S. Sens. Tom Cotton and John Boozman, and Arkansas Chief Justice John Dan Kemp.
Franco, Haines, Majano and their fellow delegates will be guided by more than 70 volunteer staff members from across the country who return each summer to mentor and support Arkansas Boys State students. The volunteer staff includes college students and professionals with experience in education, public service, business, law, journalism, government and other fields.
More information about Arkansas Boys State is available at arboysstate.org.
Dylan Franco of Lead Hill selected to attend Arkansas Boys State 2026
Michael Haines of Diamond City selected to attend Arkansas Boys State 2026
Isaac Majano of Lead Hill selected to attend Arkansas Boys State 2026