Russell's Hurla Among Eight Delegates Elected Mayor at 2026 Kansas Boys State
Eight delegates at the 2026 American Legion Boys State of Kansas have been elected mayor of their respective Boys State cities. The newly elected mayors were sworn in Monday evening by Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab, a 1989 Kansas Boys State alumnus from Great Bend High School.
The following delegates were elected mayor:
Alden Deady, Overland Park, senior-to-be at Blue Valley West High School — City of Lindholm, Kennedy County
Joey Hurla, Russell, senior-to-be at Russell High School — City of Schrag, Kennedy County
Beau Kalkman, Olathe, senior-to-be at DeSoto High School — City of Johnson, Eisenhower County
Talon Pyle, Ellis, junior-to-be at Ellis High School — City of Wierman, Powell County
Travis Ross, Rush Center, senior-to-be at Otis-Bison High School — City of Shelton, Powell County
Nico Schober, Wichita, senior-to-be at Central Christian Academy — City of Finley, Dole County
Nikon Sublett, Hutchinson, senior-to-be at Hutchinson High School — City of Klassen, Eisenhower County
Noah Washington, Topeka, junior-to-be at Washburn Rural High School — City of Chastain, Dole County
Students from across Kansas are participating in the 2026 session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, which began Sunday, May 31, and continues through Saturday, June 6 at Kansas State University in Manhattan. This marks the program’s 34th consecutive year at K-State and its 88th session overall.
The program's mission is to develop leadership skills, civic responsibility, and a deeper understanding of government through hands-on participation. Delegates take part in a realistic simulation of local, county, and state government, including elections, political parties, and public service roles.
Through this “learning by doing” experience, participants build teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership skills while gaining a greater appreciation for democracy, public service, and the sacrifices made by members of the military to preserve those freedoms.