Jefferson High School seniors Carter Klein and Quynh Nguyen are leaders in their school community. They are presidents of two programs and were nominated to this year’s Homecoming Court. This summer they shared a prominent title in a unique first for Minnesota high school students: Governor.

Klein and Nguyen were each elected to the top role of governor at their respective American Legion Boys State and American Legion Auxiliary Girls State mock government programs. It’s the first time in state history the governors of both programs came from the same high school. 

Held at St. John’s University for Boys State and Bethel University for Girls State, the weeklong program gives students an immersive, hands-on experience in government, civic engagement and leadership. Students formed mock cities, counties and state governments, ran campaigns for office and elected state officials. 

Klein was one of two delegates selected to represent Minnesota at the Boys Nation event held in Washington, D.C. where students formed a mock U.S. Senate and wrote and passed bills.

This fall, Klein and Nguyen are finding ways to apply what they’ve learned.

“I saw what it takes to be a leader in a system and saw room for improvement in our student council,” said Klein, who serves as Jefferson’s senior student council president. “We reformed our student council into a committee system so there’s more voices helping make decisions and we’ve already been getting amazing reviews about it.”

“I’m National Honor Society president this year,” said Nguyen. “I’d like to take what I’ve learned to work closely with other people and improve communication so students have the best possible experience in the program.”

Klein says he’s interested in studying law in college, while Nguyen wants to be a doctor, and hasn’t ruled out pursuing a minor in political science or government. Regardless of their future, both say they want to do something that helps people and makes a positive impact.