Wareham student Indiana Troupe was elected Governor of Massachusetts as a part of the Boys State program, which simulates a mock state government. 

Troupe is the first Wareham student to be elected to this position within the organization. 

According to a press release, the Boys State program is a part of the American Legion and is designed to “teach democratic values, improve knowledge of government and encourage citizen involvement through an intensive week-long program that immerses students in grassroots democracy.”

During the program students create and manage their own municipalities and work to understand how the American government functions. Students also vote in a slate of elected officials that mirror state government. 

Troupe was sworn into office as the program’s 78th Governor during a ceremony hosted by  Dennis J. Curran, a retired Massachusetts trial judge. 

“We live in a divided world. That isn't a surprise to many of us,” said Troupe during the ceremony. “But as young people we have the power to change. We need to be kind to each other. In a world so divided and filled with hate, we have the power to unite and spread love.”

Troupe said he will return to Boys State next year as a counselor to help inspire the next student leaders that come through the program. 

Troupe and fellow Wareham students Kissamy Georges, Da'Kodah Girardin, Sage Kidder and Brenden Behring attended the joint Boys and Girls State program at Stonehill College last spring.

For more information about Boys State in Massachusetts or find out how you can get involved, you can visit www.maboysstate.org.