Science Academy senior is one of 100 students to represent region and state at national level through prestigious program

From American Legion Boys State to Boys Nation, Science Academy senior, Yosef Herrera continues to put STISD on the map and is a symbol of true patriotism.

American Legion Boys State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for U.S. high school students, and Yosef was the third highest-ranked representative out of 1200 participating juniors in the state of Texas.

His tenacity and hard work ethic soon led him to advance to Boys Nation, where he was one of 100 delegates acting as a senator from Boys State and representing his hometown and Rio Grande Valley at the national level.

“It’s been a great honor representing Texas,” said Yosef. “It took a lot of work and perseverance and it was worth every ounce of effort put into getting into Boys Nation and keeping my promise to Tony Sanchez, Commander of American Legion JA Garcia Post 172 that served on the Boys State interviewing committee."

According to the American Legion, each Boys Nation delegate acts as a senator from his Boys State. The young lawmakers caucus at the beginning of the session, then organize into committees and conduct hearings on bills submitted by program delegates.

Senators learn the proper method of handling bills, according to U.S. Senate rules and participate in the political process, including organization of party conventions and nominating and electing a president and vice president.

During Yosef’s initial interview with Commander Sanchez, for a spot at Boys State, Sanchez emphasized the beauty behind the Boys State Program and how the end goal was not Boys State, but Boys Nation.

“I was impressed right away,” said Commander Sanchez. “I vividly remember Yosef respectfully interrupting me during our qualifying interview saying he had done his research on what came next after qualifying for a seat at the state level. That next step was Boys Nation and he guaranteed he would indeed make it there.”

“I looked at him right away and said, “Wow.”

Little did Commander Sanchez know that Yosef was already stating facts.

“I’ve been doing this for 40 years, and Yosef has been the best candidate I’ve ever had, said Commander Sanchez. “He’s set the standard pretty high and has put our post on the map - not just in the region and state but nation-wide.

Yosef continues to follow his passion and loves our country and the constitution. He looks forward to more opportunities that will “shape a lifetime.”