Potential Politician
JHS Senior Elected to Gubernatorial Position at 2025
Texas Boys State
By Amy Morgan
You might have watched the 2020 documentary, Boys State, which follows the week-long summer program where high school boys learn how to build a state government from the ground up. At Boys State, students run mock governments and engage in civic leadership, providing a unique, hands-on experience in how government works. Since 1935, only the best and brightest students are selected to represent their schools at Boys or Girls State conventions. “Boys State and Boys Nation are designed for students who show leadership, character, academic excellence, and a commitment to their school and community,” according to program sponsor the American Legion.
While local NEISD high schools have been sending delegates for years, this was the first time a Johnson High School student, Troy Balogun, parlayed participation in the Texas program into election to its highest office – Governor. Troy learned how to master the campaign process, gave speeches and won enough followers to be chosen over the more than 1300 participants.
“I learned you can always reach for more and push yourself to be better,” Troy said. “I’ve always reached for big things, but being around great minds, you realize everybody wants to grow and get better. It was a good life lesson to learn.”
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​After his experience as Governor, Troy also represented Texas at Boys Nation held in Washington D.C. There he was able to draft a bill to increase availability of low-income housing that passed through committee and made it onto the Senate floor. Unfortunately, the session ended before it officially could be ratified.
“I was hopeful it might have passed,” Troy said. “We were looking at mixed-use housing for urban areas. I feel like housing and poverty on the whole are issues in America.”
Troy also was afforded the opportunity to visit national landmarks and meet dignitaries. When he met then Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, he asked how he kept his self-confidence despite backlash from those who disagree with him. The cabinet member reminded him that you can’t please everybody and pointed to the example of Jesus. He also told Troy to always remember why he was doing what he was doing and the why behind his beliefs. “He was interesting to talk to,” Troy added. He also spent time with Senator Ted Cruz.
One of Troy’s biggest takeaways was that although public servants are famous, they are still regular people. “They are just humans like we are.” His Boys State/Nation experience has inspired him to major in political science and go study law with an eye on politics.
He wouldn’t be alone. Many Boys Nation alumni go on to careers in public service or politics. Although he’s a die-hard University of Texas fan, Troy’s also considering Columbia or Howard, in part because of the potential to be part of their soccer team. The striker began playing the game at the age of three, with his dad as his coach. Troy has played on JHS’s varsity team since his freshman year. He works with Coach Carlton at the Green Gym. He’s helped players at Tex Hill and makes a point to encourage younger JHS teammates, feeling a duty to give back to others.
“I like being able to help them along the journey,” he said. “I wouldn’t be where I am without sports. I’ve learned life lessons and confidence. Very few people can say they are the best at their sport, an undisputed GOAT. You have to be confident in yourself and happy saying, ‘I’m not where I need to be, but I can get there,’ and persevere.”
Troy also volunteers with National Honor Society and Community Bible Church and has participated in JHS’s DECA marketing and business club. He’s looking forward to the DECA state competition this year. He credits his faith as being life changing. “Without the church I would not be the person I am,” he said.
One of these years we might recognize Troy Balogun’s name on a political poster asking for our vote as he pursues the path of public service.
