The weeklong, all-expenses-paid experience immerses students in the workings of local and state government through mock elections, legislative sessions, court simulations, and leadership workshops. Sponsored by the American Legion Borinquen Post 508, the trip was coordinated by Veteran Advisor Agustin Jimenez in partnership with College and Career Advisor Lupe Falls.
Representing Baldwin Park High were Oscar Alfaro, Sebastian Camacho, Dixianah Cervantes, Anais Markes, and Justin Vo, who joined peers from across California to campaign, debate, and learn about the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship.
The program has grown steadily over the past five years, expanding from one student to five, and inclusive of both male and female students. Together, Jimenez and Falls identify students who demonstrate not only strong academics and extracurricular involvement but also curiosity, leadership potential, and a desire to grow.
“We look for students who will represent our post and the heart of BPHS, with the hope that they’ll bring something meaningful back home,” Jimenez said.
Once in Sacramento, students were immersed in every level of simulated government — running mock elections, serving in city, county, and state roles, debating and voting on bills, and participating in judicial proceedings. They also had the opportunity to meet real elected officials, gaining firsthand exposure to public service in action.
At the conclusion of the week, each delegate was honored with a “Citizen” medal, recognizing their successful completion of the program and commitment to civic leadership.
For many students, the most impactful part of the experience was meeting peers from diverse backgrounds.
“At first, it was different being surrounded by students with different views, backgrounds, and experiences,” said Camacho. “But it was refreshing to talk with people who saw things differently and were willing to listen. Despite our differences, we had healthy conversations.”
Alfaro recalled that after long days of activities, students would gather in the hallway of their hotel floor to share stories and unwind — often with his roommate playing guitar. “Those nights were some of my favorite moments,” he said. “We connected on a real level.”
Both Camacho and Vo said they still keep in touch with friends they met at the program, describing how meaningful it was to connect with students from central and northern California.
For Alfaro, the week also clarified his future goals. While considering a path in the U.S. Coast Guard, he hopes to one day become a history teacher, inspired by one of his teachers who encouraged him to grow and explore new opportunities. “I know I want to help people and give back to my community,” he said.
The experience gave students a deeper appreciation for the complexity of government.
“We didn’t realize how many positions there truly are,” Vo said. “It gave us an appreciation for how much work goes into making things run.”
Cervantes, who serves in ASB, said her mock city staged a playful protest during their simulation after “the county” decided to tax vending machines. “It was for fun, but it also made us think about leadership and advocacy,” she said.
Markes, described by Falls as a “shy student,” said she challenged herself to step into new situations. “I focused on pushing myself to try public speaking,” she said.
“I am blessed beyond words to be part of making these experiences happen,” Falls said.
Baldwin Park High’s participation in Boys & Girls State has become a proud tradition, with previous standout delegates including Leonardo Areola attending Pomona College, a Gates Scholar, and Gustavo Trujillo Jr., a former Student Board Member and USC full-ride recipient. Questbridge National College recipients Mary Grace Calma attending University of Chicago & Bryann-Noel Revilla attending Stanford. Jasmin Sivakumaran, a former Student Board Member attending Norte Dame, Chelsea Teng attending UCSD, Rafael Godinez & Brigitte Ramirez both attending Mt. SAC Jose Bustamante attending UC Berkeley & Dao Doan attending UC Irvine.
“This opportunity gives them a chance to stretch their wings, and that’s the whole purpose of it,” Jimenez said.
Photos
2025 BPHS Boys & Girls State:
BPHS College & Career Advisor Lupe Falls, student Sebastian Camacho, Anais Markes, Justin Vo, Dixianah Cervantes, Oscar Alfaro, and Veteran Advisor Agustin Jimenez take a group photos at Baldwin Park High