LO’s Joshua Toch one of 98 students nationwide honored in D.C.

Published on Page 11 of the August 21, 2013 issue of Morgan Hill Life

By Austin Belisle

Photo courtesy of Randy Toch Joshua Toch (seen over President Barack Obama’s left shoulder) was one of 98 students nationwide who participated in the American Legion Boys Nation 2013.

Photo courtesy of Randy Toch
Joshua Toch (seen over President Barack Obama’s left shoulder) was one of 98 students nationwide who participated in the American Legion Boys Nation 2013.

At 17, most high school juniors dream of scoring the football team’s game-winning touchdown or landing a prom date with the girl of their dreams. For Live Oak High School’s Joshua Toch, those dreams pale in comparison to what he’s already accomplished; as one of 98 representatives from 49 states, Joshua spent time with President Barack Obama, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, and other senior officials at the American Legion Boys Nation 2013. At the annual conference in Washington, D.C., some of the country’s most promising young leaders received an education on the structure and function of the federal government.

Of 1,041 eligible California Boys State members, teachers at Live Oak High School nominated 30, and Joshua was one of two hard-working students given the opportunity to interview for a chance to visit the nation’s capitol.

In the interview, Joshua was asked questions on the idea of leadership, Congress, legislation, and the general functioning of the federal government. It was “literally the hardest interview I’ve ever been through” said Joshua, but his honesty and excitement helped him earn the chance to represent California as a “senator” in Washington, D.C.

Joshua reminisces on the trip, which lasted from July 19 to July 27, and says that he was “lucky enough to be selected” after the intense selection process. Upon his arrival, Joshua was put into the Nationalist Party, and helped establish a unique platform, set of values, and beliefs that his fellow Boys Nation members would adhere to.

After the caucus, the Nationalist Party and Federalist Party were tasked with electing a president and vice president. Of 23 nominees, Joshua advanced to the general election, and his debate was nationally broadcast. “Being nominated for president was a huge honor, I was just in awe,” he said.

Although Joshua didn’t win the election, the experience representing California as a senator at Boys Nation, handling bills and debating on the Senate floor, sparked his fire for the fight against cyber-bullying.

Joshua describes himself as a “really big anti-bully advocate,” and he helped pen a bill that may someday influence the conviction of bullies in a court of law. On a visit to the White House, he met Sen. Feinstein, shaking her hand and talking to her specifically about how much she loved his cyber-bullying bill.

More than just forging bills though, Joshua forged relationships that will last him a lifetime.

“I know people in every state except for Hawaii (which has its own Boy State program.) Once they become famous, I’ll know them. I have connections. It’s not just what we learn, it’s the network we build. I know if I ever need anything, they’ll be there for me, and I’ll be there for them.”