Embedded Files
Blue Grass Boys State Pin
Blue Grass Boys State Pin
Blue Grass Boys State Pin; Girls State Charm
Blue Grass Boys State Pin; Girls State Charm
Donor: Bill Waddell, class of 1958
Author: Ava Purcell, Vera Knight, and Ava Chadderton, Class of 2029
Story Contributor: Bill Waddell and Nancy McEntire, Class of 1958
Web Page Designer: Lilly Ahlfeld, class of 2028
At Highlands High School, a small pin holds big meaning. First given out in the 1950s, the Boys’ and Girls’ State Pin has become a proud tradition and a symbol of the hard work and spirit that define the Highlands community. Now displayed behind glass in the library, the pin unites many individuals and creates a strong community at HHS.
The boys and girls' Kentucky State experience not only impacted the students' lives during their time here at Highlands, but also opened their eyes to learning government as young teens. Even now, it continues to influence students who attended Boys’ or Girls’ State, as they can apply the valuable information they learned in their own day-to-day life. Two students who went in 1958 to Boys’ and Girls’ State were Nancy Vail McEntire and Bill Waddell. Both were seniors when they went to Boys’ and Girls’ State and learned much about government and politics during their time there.
Blue Grass Boys State Pin from 1957
Blue Grass Boys State Pin from 1957
1957 HIghlands Delegates to Boys State: Bill Waddell & Ken Glass
“We went down with boys from all over the state of Kentucky and palled around for a week with boys who were interested in the same thing you were, politics and government, and that kind of thing,” Waddell said.
Waddell was one of the few boys picked to represent Highlands High School at Boys’ State, as well as McEntire for a girl's position. There were boys and girls from all over Kentucky; there were also those who were picked, not necessarily based on skill or specialty, but on their role of leadership. But being picked was only the beginning of a new and exciting experience full of learning and having fun.
“More of a leadership role in being able to express myself to other people. Oh, you know, you met all the girls on the (dorm) floor. We did by the end of the week,” McEntire said.
McEntre remembers the lessons that have permeated her life today and that she still uses; remembering the great times encapsulated in this artifact. Getting the pin for boys' or girls' state was more than just a pin; it showed what had been accomplished during Waddell and McEntire’s experience at state.
“I guess the other element of the pin was that it was, uh... it was kind of like a trophy. You know, it was kind of, it proved that you had been a participant in this thing, and it was an accomplishment,” Waddell said.
Other than the Boys’ and Girls’ State pin having an important meaning, the experience was something Waddell was proud of…Getting to experience this community of teens who were chosen to represent their schools. The teens were also given the opportunity to put themselves in the shoes of law enforcement officers.
“It was fun to learn how they run different campaigns. Everything here (Highlands) was popularity, so, there (Girls’ State) you just kinda have to prove yourself and get with it,” McEntire said.
Experiencing the Girls’ and Boys’ state was not only meant to educate the people but to create bonds and fulfill adventures. To be chosen to go down for Boys’ and Girls’ state was an honor. Some people may have been more interested in politics than others.
1957 Highlands delegates to Girls State: Nancy Vale & JoAnne Beggs
“You know, you went down there for a week, and maybe you learned a lot, or maybe you learned a little, but you spent a week looking at politics and civic issues and stuff,” Waddell said.
When looking back on education, it depended on the person and how much they were willing to learn, but overall, Nancy and Bill agreed Boys and Girls State was a great hands-on experience, additionally the entire Highlands High School world was enjoyable.
“Marvelous, I loved it. Every minute of it, it's a good school,” McEntire said about Highlands.
McEntire's casual high school experience was mostly positive. Students like McEntire are proud of where they came from and the lessons they learned along the way, especially at the Girls’ and Boys’ State. It made Waddell more aware of government in his early teen years and taught him valuable lessons about government. This may have impacted his decision to pursue a career as a lawyer.
“You know, I think it did make me more serious and taught me a lot about how governments work,” Waddell said.
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