Gravette’s Latta elected to office at Boys State
LITTLE ROCK — Ty Latta of Gravette from Gravette High School was elected to city council for Bush City at Arkansas Boys State 2022, a summer leadership and civic engagement experience sponsored by the American Legion.
Latta was elected by his peers during city elections on Monday, May 30, as part of the 81st annual session of Arkansas Boys State, where students build a mock government structure, including sixteen different mock cities each with their own city council, vice mayor and mayor.
“City elections lay the groundwork for the rest of the week at Arkansas Boys State,” said David Saterfield, director of instruction for Arkansas Boys State. “From here, Ty will lead citizens in his city as they navigate simulations and city problems, working as their representative to develop and advocate solutions for their community this week. This is just the first step in the transformative leadership journey that students embark on this week.”
Latta is one of more than 400 students from throughout the state attending Arkansas Boys State at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. Students are mock citizens in eight different counties, sixteen cities, and two political parties.
“When the week comes to a close for Ty, he and his peers will have learned what it means to intentionally and thoughtfully share their stories, lead their peers, and advocate for their communities,” said Lloyd Jackson, executive director of Arkansas Boys State.
County elections were also held on Monday at Arkansas Boys State. On Tuesday, students will run for the House of Representatives and Senate and begin campaigning for statewide office.
Arkansas Boys State is an immersive program in civics education designed for high school juniors. Since 1940, the weeklong summer program has transformed the next generation of leaders throughout the state and beyond. These men have become state, national, and international leaders, including Pres. Bill Clinton, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, former White House Chiefs of Staff Mack McLarty and Jack Watson Jr., Sen. Tom Cotton, Sen. John Boozman and Arkansas Chief Justice John Dan Kemp. Learn more at arboysstate.org.