Berryville's Fausett selected to attend Arkansas Boys State

Greg Fausett of Berryville, a student at Berryville High School, has been selected to represent his school and community at Arkansas Boys State 2026, the American Legion-sponsored leadership and civic engagement experience for high school juniors.

Fausett will join young men from across Arkansas for the program’s 85th summer session, held May 24-29 at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. Known as “a week that shapes a lifetime,” Arkansas Boys State gives students the opportunity to experience democracy, leadership and public service through a hands-on model of local and state government.

“Arkansas Boys State is designed for students like Greg — young men who are ready to step forward, challenge themselves and think deeply about how they can serve their communities,” said Lloyd Jackson, executive director of Arkansas Boys State. “His nomination reflects the confidence others have in his character, leadership potential and commitment to making a difference.”

During the week, Fausett will be assigned to a political party, city and county. Working alongside other delegates, he will help build a mock government from the ground up by running for office, drafting and debating legislation, addressing community challenges and engaging with constituents. The program’s guiding principle, “Democracy Depends on Me,” encourages students to understand civic responsibility not as an abstract idea, but as something they practice firsthand.

In addition to the government simulation, delegates participate in leadership discussions, real-world instructional tracks, recreation, political rallies, keynote lectures and question-and-answer sessions with business, civic, political and social leaders. Students also experience college life by living in residence halls, eating in campus dining facilities and taking part in a full schedule of activities throughout the week