As we wrap up Louisiana Boys State 2026, everyone is saying their last goodbyes. Some may never see each other face to face again. This alone was enough to prompt parishes to put aside their rivalries and come together as one. This year especially has seen an incredibly productive LABS, and many counselors have demonstrated their approval of this year’s citizens. Everyone who attended made an effort to succeed. JC Blake shared in an interview, “You guys demonstrated that you were willing to have that unlocked. You guys showed that potential, from the very first day.” Many of you have proven this statement entirely valid.
On this final day, Boys State citizens joined together to create one last memorable moment for them to keep. For some, it was a group picture or keeping the newspapers, while for others it was signing the shirts on people’s backs and tearing off the sleeves on their spare ones. We arrived at Boys State as strangers but left this program as friends who shared an unforgettable week together. Goodbye, citizens and counselors of LABS 2026.