This past summer, the local Sebastian American Legion Post 189 sponsored Mike Beaucejour and Davi Moraes from Sebastian River High School’s Navy JROTC Program to attend Florida Boys State.
The Boys State Program is highly selective, and only 530 young men are selected from a pool of roughly 600,000 male high school students. In addition to learning about the function of state government, the 530 students competed for various elected positions, and Sebastian’s very own Mike Beaucejour was elected Governor, the top spot.
As Boys State selectees, Mike and Davi spent a transformative week at the American Legion Boys State in Tallahassee, where they embraced new challenges, seized new opportunities, and dedicated themselves to personal growth. From the moment they both arrived, Mike and Davi made a promise to each other to go beyond mere participation — to meet each day with effort, focus, and heart.
Mike quickly connected with fellow delegates, and those conversations, debates, and strategy sessions became the foundation of his understanding of leadership. He came to see leadership not as a solo act, but as a shared journey —something built through collaboration and mutual respect.
Early in the week, Mike was elected mayor, and Davi was elected as a representative. They each took on their respective roles with humility and dedication. They each worked to lead with fairness, to listen as much as they spoke, and to serve with purpose.
Mike then stepped into the role of County Commissioner, advocating for an even broader community. His leadership continued to evolve as he pushed himself and supported those around him. Ultimately, Mike earned the Federalist Party’s nomination for Governor — a moment that signified not just political recognition but personal growth and the respect of his peers.
When his name was announced as the elected Governor of Boys State, Mike felt an overwhelming mix of pride, responsibility, and deep gratitude.
Standing at the podium, Mike realized that leadership isn’t about speeches or titles — it’s about bringing people together, listening to different perspectives, and making tough but necessary decisions.
The pressure was real, but it fueled his determination to lead with integrity.
Throughout the week, Mike and Davi witnessed how real government functions — how ideas become policy, and how teamwork and ethics are essential. Boys State didn’t just shape them both as leaders; it helped them each to grow as human beings.
They both left the experience with a renewed sense of purpose, understanding that leadership is not about having all the answers, but about being open to growth and committed to service.
To learn more about the SRHS Navy JROTC unit, or to partner with the unit for events and volunteer activities, contact CDR Peter Bissonnette by email at snsi@srhs.us, by phone at 772-564-4413, or by submitting an event support request at https://njrotc.srhs.us/about-us/event-support-request.
