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Boys Town youth elect new mayor, vice mayor

Posted at 4:34 PM, May 07, 2019
and last updated 2019-05-07 17:34:56-04

BOYS TOWN, Neb. (KMTV) — Boys Town youth elected a new mayor and vice-mayor on Tuesday. The self-government system at Boys Town started in 1926 and even served as inspiration for a 1938 Academy Award-winning film called "Boys Town" starring Mickey Rooney.

Josh Reed, 17, was elected Tuesday as the 119th mayor of Boys Town. He says he wants to be an advocate for things students want on the campus.

“I want to be the person who anyone can talk to. I want to be the voice for all of the students’ concerns," said Josh.

Josh is a captain on the cross-country team at Boys Town, competing on the track team as well. He serves on student council and is a recipient of the Honorable Mention 2019 youth award.

After graduating, Josh plans to attend college on a track scholarship and study criminal justice. His Family-Teachers are Ryan and Brittany McClure.

Ja'had Hart, the newly-elected vice-mayor, plays on the Boys Town basketball, football, baseball and track teams. This upcoming school year, he will be a captain on the football and basketball teams. After graduating, Ja'had plans to get his master's degree in science. His Family-Teachers are Matthew and Michaela Mockerman.

Father Edward J. Flanagan started the self-government system at Boys Town in 1926 to give its students more chances to build character, citizenship and a sense of community.

The election process was made famous in the 1938 Academy Award-winning film "Boys Town" starring Mickey Rooney. Rooney portrays Whitey Marsh, a tough young boy who turns his life around and eventually becomes Boys Town's mayor.