ASB President, Newspaper Editor Take Part In Prestigious Program
Douglas Luo and Trevor Davis, San Marino High School’s two delegates to California Boys State, agree that their week-long experience was outstanding, and worth every second.
But on one issue, they were especially in accord.
“The food,” said Trevor, allowing the silence that followed to provide sufficient editorial commentary. “Yes,” added Douglas. “The food.”
Cuisine notwithstanding, their journey to the state capital for California Boys State, a program sponsored by the American Legion that provides young people with an introduction to government through the implementation of a mock system, was memorable. California’s hosts more than 1,000 boys who are entering their senior year in high school at California State University, Sacramento. The event was held June 18-25.
“Boys State was an amazing experience,” said Douglas, who will receive another hands-on introduction to government this fall when he takes over as ASB President at San Marino High School. “From the very first moment you arrive, the counselors could not help but underscore just how life-changing of an experience Boys State has been and will undoubtedly end up being for the one thousand boys who attended this year.”
Douglas tossed his hat into the ring for what would be a successful bid for a spot on his city’s Superior Court.
“That was definitely a good choice, because the job kept me involved in what was happening with my city and I even had the opportunity to preside over two cases regarding the violation of election procedures at Boys State,” said Douglas. “My favorite part was meeting a diverse group of people from around the state who were really understanding, interesting and dimensional. I was able to talk politics with them and expand my perspectives on a wide variety of issues.”
Trevor took a crack at an elected post, Secretary of State, but was bested by another delegate who “recited a freestyle rap as his campaign speech.”
“I still had a great time, especially during our trip to the State Capitol building where we met our state representatives and were presented with special certificates,” said Trevor. “I also got a chance to participate in the legal process. My favorite part of Boys State was probably meeting new people from all parts of California, although I also enjoyed learning about the state government process.”
A pitcher on the baseball team, Trevor will also be a co-editor of San Marino High School’s Titan Shield newspaper when school starts up again in August.
Douglas is the son of Vida Zhang and David Luo. Though his college choices are far off in the distance at this point, he hopes to study economics, political science or global affairs.
“Most likely a major that involves politics,” he continued. “Boys State really was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me despite my earlier reservations, and I would seriously encourage any junior to consider this as something to try for next summer.”
Trevor is getting attention from several colleges for his baseball exploits, which he said “definitely plays into my decision” for higher education. He hopes to major in either political science, journalism, English Literature or philosophy.
“You know, the moneymaking majors,” he joked.
“Overall, Boys State was a great experience and I encourage any incoming junior to consider going if the opportunity were to arise,” Trevor concluded.
