Micah Gamble of Fordyce, a student at Fordyce High School, was elected by fellow delegates to serve as Sheriff for Gordon County at Arkansas Boys State 2026.

Gamble participated in the 85th annual session of Arkansas Boys State, held May 24-29 at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. The American Legion-sponsored program gives high school juniors the opportunity to experience democracy, leadership and public service through a hands-on model of local and state government.

County government plays a central role in the Arkansas Boys State experience. Delegates are assigned to cities, counties and political parties, then work with their peers to campaign for office, vote in elections, debate policy, address community challenges and participate in a full week of civic programming.

As Sheriff, Gamble helped to represent and serve the citizens of Gordon County. County officials guided their fellow delegates through the program’s simulations, discussions and civic responsibilities while building a sense of shared purpose and pride among the students in their county.

“County office gives students a meaningful opportunity to lead beyond themselves,” said Lloyd Jackson, executive director of Arkansas Boys State. “The county is one of the places where delegates build their closest connections, learn to work across differences and begin to understand how leadership affects an entire community.”

Throughout the week, Gamble also participated in political party rallies, attended Schools of Instruction, engaged in leadership and policy discussions, heard from public officials and civic leaders, and took part in activities designed to strengthen communication, teamwork and responsible citizenship.

The Arkansas Boys State experience ended with Capitol Day, when delegates traveled to the Arkansas State Capitol and continued their civic learning in one of the state’s most important public spaces. For elected county officials like Gamble, the week provided a direct look at how local leadership connects to broader public service.

Arkansas Boys State’s guiding theme is “Democracy Depends on Me.” Through his election as Sheriff, Gamble had the opportunity to put that theme into action by representing peers, serving his county and helping build a stronger Arkansas Boys State community.

Since 1940, Arkansas Boys State has helped prepare more than 60,000 alumni for lives of citizenship, public service and leadership. Bill Clinton was elected to Boys Nation when he was at Boys State in the early 1960’s. Mike Huckabee was Boys State governor in 1972.