By Annabeth Miller, SMT Editor
Four young Dexter men looking forward to graduating, also look back to last summer and an experience that helped shaped their lives.
Tyler Miller, Zane Olsen, Dylan Heflin, and Owen Flowers represented Dexter last summer at Missouri Boys State. The four young men were selected based on leadership, citizenship, academics and character during their junior year at DHS for the honor.
Boys State is a week of democracy, with the young men participating in their communities in activities, working together as good citizens, and becoming involved in Boy State government.
“It was a fun experience,” said Zane. Boys State programs have time and time again led young men to do great things. Zane is the son of John and Jo Olsen.
“You don’t know what it all about until you go, and you learn a lot,” said Flowers.
Flowers is the son of Kim and Tim Flowers and was elected Presiding Commission of Benton County.
Dylan was elected to the City Council in Meyer City while at Boys State. Elected leadership at Boy State offers opportunities for the young men. Leadership skills learned at Boys State strengthens lessons and offers a chance to meet a variety of new people.
“You meet a whole lot of people and you learn to look at things from a whole different perspective,” said Dylan. He is the son of Jay and Lizzie Heflin.
Tyler was elected as a State Representative from Blair City, an opportunity that helped provide leadership opportunities and broaden his Boy State experience. Tyler is the son of Travis and Tracy Miller.
“Boys State prepares you for your future,” he said.
Boys State staff member are volunteers from a variety of professions and leaders in the state, including education, legal professionals and civic leaders.
Missouri’s Boys State has been an important part of the lives of hundreds of young men in the ShowMe State. Juniors in high school who are interested in participating in Boys State should contact their high school counselor or visit the Missouri Boys State website. Missouri Boys State for 2012 is set for June 16-23 on the campus of University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg.
Photo Above: Dylan Heflin, Tyler Miller, Zane Olson and Owen Flowers - Dexter's 2011 representatives to Missouri Boys State. (SMT Photo by Annabeth Miller)
