Previously published on July 19, 2022
It may have been Destiny Adams’ destiny to be elected governor during the American Legion of Iowa’s Boys State competition.
Or at the very least, the East High School’s first name made for a very catchy campaign slogan.
“All of my campaign material played off of ‘this is my destination’ or ‘this is our destination,'” Adams said. “I think my name was memorable enough to get me noticed.”
Which wasn’t a bad thing at Iowa Boys State, held June 19-24 at Johnston, Iowa’s Camp Dodge.
Sponsored by the American Legion, Iowa Boys State is a week-long, hands-on youth civics leadership experience in the operation of the democratic form of government.
Participating students were chosen based on referrals of local American Legions posts, as well as their civics teachers. Adams, along with classmates Jackson Johnson and Nate Ruiz, represented East.
“I had to campaign to become governor, writing papers, giving speeches and persuading others to vote for me,” Adams said.
That was a new experience for Adams, who was born and lived with his parents, Davidson and Ruth Adams, in the West African country of Nigeria until the family moved to the United States when he was 11 years old.
“I think I appreciate American history more because it is new to me,” he said. “Everyone can have a voice in a democratic government.
During the bus ride to Camp Dodge, Adams befriended Evan Janzen, a Rock Valley, Iowa, student and a fellow Boy Stater.
“Evan ran as lieutenant governor on the same ticket as me,” he said. “So, that means both the governor and lieutenant governor of Boys State came from Northwest Iowa.”
Ironically enough, Janzen’s family is moving to Sergeant Bluff and, next year, he’ll be a student at Sergeant Bluff-Luton High School.
“I plan on staying in touch with Evan,” Adams said.
A wide receiver on East’s Black Raiders football team, Adams said he was considering studying architecture or engineering in college.
He’s even considering a career as an artist or becoming an entrepreneur.
While Adams wasn’t selected to be a delegate at the American Legion’s Boys Nation, taking place in Arlington, Virginia, on July 22, he will be one of the alternates.
However, he now has the confidence to speak in public and have his voice heard.
Would Adams ever consider a career in politics?
“If it’s my destiny, I will,” he said.
Get the whole story from the Sioux City Journal’s Earl Horlyk.