Hurricane student elected governor of Boys State

HURRICANE -- When Cody Steffick of Hurricane joined 318 other senior high boys from across the state at American Legion Mountaineer Boys State June 13-20, at Jackson's Mill, he knew very little about the annual camp.

By the time he left a week later, he had been elected governor of Boys State by the highest margin anyone could remember -- 86.5 percent -- and was possibly the first student elected governor from Putnam County in three decades.

"It was an amazing experience," Steffick said.

Steffick, who has a 3.5 grade point average, and is student body president at Hurricane High School, was selected for the honor by the American Legion after being nominated along with peer Michael Carte by social studies teachers Mark Higginbotham and Dan McKinney.

Steve Sluss, administrator for American Legion Mountaineer Boys State, and chief deputy assessor and legal counsel to the assessor, said each nominee must have a 3.0 grade point average, be a member of the junior class at the time of nomination, and show leadership ability. They must be recommended by a teacher, counselor or principal.

The camp is held for students who are at the end of their junior year and will begin their senior year of high school. Attending is a one-time opportunity.

Sluss said the boys who attend the camp gain a better knowledge of how the government works as well as understanding that they can make a difference.

"Cody did an outstanding job," he said.

Steffick said when the boys arrive, they are first separated into two political groups: the Nationalists and the Federalists. He was a Nationalist. They are then assigned to a cabin from a stipulated county. Steffick was assigned to Marion County. Students participate in their city, county and state government by holding mock elections and passing bills in the same manner as the state legislature. They are also instructed in parliamentary procedure.

Steffick was surprised when he was told they could run for governor.

"No one was running in our cabin, so I had to make a quick decision," he said.

Once each party had a candidate for governor, they held a caucus to decide their platform. The Nationalists' included increasing teacher's pay, improving roads and transportation systems in the state, requiring mandatory drug testing for recipients of government aid, promoting alternative energy sources and improving West Virginia's image.

One thing Steffick liked best about the camp also made his campaign more difficult.

"I was surrounded by boys like myself with similar interests. We were on equal footing, so I had to find something that made me stand out," he said.

Once he got into the spirit of the campaign, he gave it his all.

"I hit the ground running. I learned to shake hands and introduce myself. I had to make sure they remembered my name. I got to learn what it feels like to be a politician," he said.

He also got a little help from his new friends.

"The guys from our cabin spread the word. A lot of the friends I met were more than willing to help. I was grateful for that," he said.

He also had to jump in and swim in some unchartered waters. The gubernatorial candidates had to debate.

"It was the first time I had to participate in a debate. That separated me," he said. He managed to do well enough to get elected, which caused him to realize he could accomplish more than he had previously thought.

"It's corny, but it taught me what I'm capable of achieving. Running for governor seemed unreachable -- it is the highest position," he said.

Following the gubernatorial election, the students then held elections for other state offices such as secretary of state, secretary of agriculture and auditor. In addition, each cabin elected two senators and two members for the House of Delegates. Students also participated in county jobs such as sheriff and assessor. Other students were part of the National Guard, fire department and some were bankers, Steffick said.

After the elections, the boys elected a Public Works Board. Steffick found it invigorating.

"You debate bills -- the pros and cons weigh your decisions. It was an amazing experience," he said.

The students also heard from some pretty high officeholders and leaders, which included Gov. Joe Manchin, Rep. Nick J. Rahall, D-W.Va., and Secretary of State Natalie Tennant. Steffick said he particularly enjoyed listening to West Virginia University Coach Bill Stewart.

"He was my favorite. He talked about leadership. He was really cool," Steffick said.

One of the most enjoyable things for Steffick was writing legislation and passing 10 different bills. Steffick said that it was exciting to know that Manchin will review the bills and if one shows promise, the governor might put it before the State Legislature.

"It's amazing that a group of teenage boys can have a law that can potentially become a real law," he said.

The group also took a trip to Charleston to see view the legislative and senate chambers.

"It was a major highlight. We got to see their offices, but we didn't get to see any of them," he said.

Steffick's job does not end with the camp in June. He will represent Boys State at various American Legion Events. In addition, he might attend a leadership group in Washington, D.C., during the summer.

Before deciding to attend the camp, he discussed it with his football coach Willis May because the time away would interfere with football practice.

"He told me not to pass up this opportunity. He had also attended Boys State when he was in high school," Steffick said.

His family -- which includes his mother Debra, a home health nurse; father, William, who works for the government and is currently working in Peru; and brother Trey, 22 -- are happy for him.

"We are so excited and proud of him," Debra said.

Although he will only be in office for one year, his new nickname, "governor," might stick for awhile. His fellow football players have enjoyed using the name, but Steffick is fine with it.

"It's all in good fun. If I drop a pass, they will say, 'That's good governor,'" Steffick said. "I've had several nicknames, but I'm more proud of this one," he added.

Steffick plans to attend West Virginia University and major in English or philosophy. Later, he wants to go to law school.

Attending Boys State has given Steffick a new outlook on law and creating legislation.

"One thing I took away from Boys State was that in government, you can achieve some significant change," he said. "It taught me a lot about myself -- what it means to be a leader."

Steffick encourages others to experience Boys State.

"It was just an amazing experience. I am very thankful for it," he said.