September 30, 2025 - Comal ISD had 49 students represented at this summer’s American Legion Texas Boys State and American Legion Auxiliary Texas Bluebonnet Girls State leadership programs. This is a record number for the district.
These week-long seminars educate future leaders about government, civics and patriotism in a ‘learn by doing’ environment in which they create their own. They run for office, host elections, conduct committee hearings, draft legislations, pass legislation and more.
“This was a one-of-a-kind experience,” says Jeremy Herrera Contreras a senior at Canyon High School. “I learned so much about confidence, leadership and how government works.”
Herrera Contreras is one of 28 students who attended the 85th session of Texas Boys State June 8-13 at The University of Texas at Austin and the State Capitol.
“I learned that leadership isn’t about the title or the speech,” says Luke Ringlein, a senior at Hill Country College Preparatory High School, who was elected as the mayor of his city. “It’s about earning respect when things go wrong, taking responsibility and keeping people together even under pressure.”
Among the 21 students representing Comal ISD at Texas Girls State, which took place June 15-21 at Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, was Paris Shaw, a senior at Memorial Early College High School.
“I was really excited to go to lectures and write debates for bills,” Shaw says. “One thing that has stuck with me from Girls State, is that people can be on opposing sides of the political spectrum and still respect each other while trying to learn more about perspectives you may not agree with.”
Other participants explained how their experience provided them with opportunities to practice public speaking, learn how to network, gain confidence, discuss politics and compromise.
“Girls State gave me an entirely new perspective on government and politics,” says Reece Plake, a senior at Smithson Valley High School. “Most importantly, I learned to show respect and kindness towards others, even if you don’t completely agree with them.”
Each participant found a new appreciation for government and civil discourse through their participation at these summer programs.
“I learned that there are many different parts and levels to state government with many ways to participate and vote,” says Lucas Schleweis, a CHS senior. “My participation made me want to become more civically engaged.”
This year’s participants were sponsored by various local businesses and groups who made it possible for them to attend.
“Girls State truly changed my life, and I am extremely grateful to have had this opportunity,” says Brianna Schmeis, a senior at HCCPHS.
Kailey Russell, a senior from Canyon Lake High School agrees.
“This program truly changed who I am,” Russell says. “I have made lifelong connections that have turned me into a more humble, confident leader and will forever be grateful for the time I spent at Texas Bluebonnet Girls State.”
Ringlein summed it up.
“It’s not just about government simulations. It’s about responsibility and learning who you are under pressure. It’s one of the best investments a community can make in its young people.”
Here is a list of this year’s sponsors who made it possible for the 49 Comal ISD students to attend Texas Boys State and Texas Bluebonnet Girls State 2025.
- ALA Texas Girls State
- American Legion Post 10
- Bulverde Spring Branch Chamber of Commerce
- Endeavor Healthcare
- Garden Ridge Lions Club
- Hermie Talamantez
- Optisumacc Tax Services
- Theis Enterprises
- VP Painting
- Walton F. Hoffmann American Legion Post 179, District 14
The Comal ISD students who participated in this summer’s Texas Boys State and Texas Bluebonnet Girls State are listed below.
Texas Boys State
- Zander Abolos, HCCPHS
- Elijah Alford, CLHS
- Kyle Bierman, SVHS
- Tyler Carr, PHS
- Grant Cover, CLHS
- Kaden Dohmen, DHS
- Isiah Eureste, CLHS
- Russell Flournoy, MECHS
- Gavin Galicia, DHS
- Marshall Gomez. CLHS
- Vicente Gusman, PHS
- Jeremy Herrera Contreras, CHS
- Orion Kaufman, MECHS
- Travis Kost, DHS
- Noah Lacewell, SVHS
- Carson Laubach, PHS
- Eden MacPherson, CLHS
- Nicholas Meinzer, CLHS
- Josue Perez, CHS
- Luke Ringlein, HCCPHS
- Harrison Roenigk, MECHS
- Lucas Schleweis, CHS
- Keshav Singh, HCCPHS
- Ryan Smith, CHS
- Liam Trainor, SVHS
- Dionysio Villavicencio, CLHS
- Kalan Werling, PHS
- Devin Zook, SVHS
Texas Bluebonnet Girls State
- Marisa Bowers, SVHS
- Stevie Conrad, PHS
- Natalie Dritchta, DHS
- Alexa Glebus, DHS
- Hannah Gordon, CHS
- Brielle Jang, SVHS
- Greenley Lemmons, DHS
- Kylie McCranie, HCCPHS
- Reagan Muenchow, SVHS
- Madylyn Munoz, DHS
- Karli Nimmo, SVHS
- Reece Plake, SVHS
- Shelby Pogue, CLHS
- Jasmine Rodriguez, CLHS
- Kailey Russell, CLHS
- Abigael Rogers, DHS
- Brianna Schmeis, HCCPHS
- Paris Shaw, MECHS
- Kylie Trexler, HCCPHS
- Isabella Villarreal, HCCPHS
- Katherine Warren, PHS
Photo descriptions
-The Comal ISD Board of Trustees recognized students who participated in this summer’s Texas Boys State and Texas Bluebonnet Girls State leadership programs during its regular meeting on Sept. 25.
-Comal ISD student Brianna Schmeis, a senior at Hill Country College Preparatory High School, gets a few high fives at this summer’s Texas Bluebonnet Girls State program.
-Comal ISD student Jeremy Herrera Contreras, a senior at Canyon High School, participated in this summer’s Texas Boys State program.
-Comal ISD student Paris Shaw, a senior at Memorial Early College High School, is pictured with Texas Bluebonnet Girls State Director Lori Swan at the Texas State Capitol.
-Pictured on right is Comal ISD student Reece Plake, a senior at Smithson Valley High School, who participated in this summer’s Texas Bluebonnet Girls State program.
-Comal ISD student Russell Flournoy, a senior at Memorial Early College High School, participated in this summer’s Texas Boys State program.
-Comal ISD students pictured from left is Shelby Pogue, Kailey Russell and Jasmine Rodriguez, seniors at Canyon Lake High School, participated in this summer’s Texas Bluebonnet Girls State program.