“I really wanted to do it, I was hoping and just really worked hard to see if I was lucky enough,” he said.
That hard work paid off. Penley was not only chosen to go to Boys Nation, but he also went on to be elected Boys Nation vice president by his fellow delegates from around the country.
Boys State and Boys Nation are annual programs, organized by the American Legion as a way to help teens learn how American government really works. The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors parallel Girls State and Girls Nation programs. Students who take part simulate all aspects of government, from cities and counties to the state and federal level.