Fayetteville High School senior Sawyer Ray continues to receive statewide and community recognition after making history as the first Arkansan elected president of American Legion Boys Nation.
The Arkansas State Board of Education recently recognized Ray during its August meeting for representing Arkansas at Boys Nation and achieving the program’s highest elected office.
Ray was also welcomed home and honored by Shelton Tucker Craft American Legion Post 27 in Fayetteville. His parents, Rodney and Lori Patton, joined family members and community supporters for the recognition.
Post 27 sponsored Ray’s participation in Arkansas Boys State, where he was one of two delegates selected by his peers to represent Arkansas at the national program.
Ray was elected president during the 80th annual session of American Legion Boys Nation in July. He received the Nationalist Party’s nomination before defeating Federalist candidate Lincoln Haussler of Nebraska in the presidential election.
The election made Ray the first participant from Arkansas to serve as Boys Nation president.
Dr. Lloyd Jackson, executive director of Arkansas Boys State, described Ray’s election as “a historic and extraordinary achievement for Sawyer, Fayetteville High School, Arkansas Boys State and the entire state of Arkansas.”
The national program brought together 100 young men representing Boys State programs in 49 states and the District of Columbia.
During the weeklong program near Washington, delegates formed a working model of the United States Senate, organized political parties, drafted and debated legislation, developed party platforms and elected national officers.
The delegates also visited Arlington National Cemetery, the Pentagon and the United States Supreme Court while learning about federal government, public service and civic responsibility.
Ray joins a distinguished group of Arkansas Boys Nation delegates. Former President Bill Clinton represented Arkansas at Boys Nation in 1963, while United States Senator Tom Cotton attended in 1994. Neither served as Boys Nation president.
Arkansas Boys State has provided leadership and civics education to more than 60,000 young Arkansans since 1940.
Additional information about Ray’s historic election is available through Arkansas Boys State and The American Legion.
SAWYER RAY’S HISTORIC YEAR
Arkansas Boys State: Ray was selected as one of two delegates to represent Arkansas at Boys Nation.
Boys Nation: Ray received the Nationalist Party nomination and was elected president by his fellow delegates.
Historic First: Ray became the first Arkansan elected president in Boys Nation history.
State Recognition: The Arkansas State Board of Education honored Ray during its August meeting.
Community Recognition: American Legion Post 27 welcomed Ray home and recognized his achievement in Fayetteville.
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