The Town of Shalimar honored 17-year-old Bradley Buckthal on Wednesday during its monthly meeting for his achievement at the American Legion Boys Nation competition, where he placed in the top four among 530 boys from across Florida.

• Buckthal, an Eagle Scout from Unit 529 in Shalimar, was selected as Boys Nation alternate after winning elected positions as mayor and senator during the week-long mock government competition. He also received the Bob and Gail Knight Scholarship for his achievements.

The Fort Walton Beach High School student was selected by a school counselor to interview for Boys State, and the American Legion of Fort Walton Beach selected him as their local delegate. He then competed at Boys State among 500+ other boys across Florida during a week-long program held on the Florida State University campus in Tallahassee in June.

During the competition, participants formed a mock government with cities, counties and districts to create a state-level government. Buckthal went through numerous interviews and gave speeches to win mayor, then senator, as elected by his peers.

• “By the end of that day his mom texted me and shared that he had been elected the Mayor of his City,” said Police Commissioner Brad Gable during Wednesday’s recognition ceremony. “My response was that it wouldn’t surprise me to learn he is the governor by the end of the week.”

After other delegates went to their rooms each evening, Buckthal stayed up late for Boys Nation interviews, progressing each night to reach the final pool of eight boys. At the culmination awards ceremony, he was selected as Boys Nation alternate.

“I knew Bradley would succeed because unlike many youths, Bradley does not do things the hard way – rather he finds hard things to do and thrives in the environment,” Gable said.

Boys State is an annual event hosted by the American Legion that started in 1935 and has been attended by notable figures including Tom Brokaw, Bill Clinton, Michael Jordan and Neil Armstrong. The program provides high school students the opportunity to participate in mock government, with citizens organized into mythical cities, counties and states where they choose officials through regular election procedures.

Nominations start at the local level by high school guidance counselors, with American Legion Posts making appointments based on characteristics including being honorable, demonstrating academic performance, possessing oratorical skills, showing communication and interpersonal skills, displaying leadership and demonstrating perseverance.

Buckthal credits his scouting background with helping him succeed in the competition. He achieved his Eagle Scout rank at age 15 by building bike repair stations at Timberlake Trails, placing one by the lake and another at the top of the trails.

• “He chose that project because he loves mountain biking, and he noticed a trail system that had these bike repair stations. So that’s where he got inspired for his project,” said his mother, Tiffany Buckthal.

Buckthal’s scouting experience includes completing all four high adventure trips offered by the Boy Scouts: a two-week hiking expedition at Philmont Scout Ranch, a week of living on a boat at Sea Base, mountain biking and zip lining at Summit, and snowshoeing and camping in sub-zero temperatures during Northern Tier in Canada.

“It’s definitely given him the confidence to fight for what he believes in and to never give up,” Tiffany Buckthal said. The program teaches values like caring for the earth, giving back to the community and treating others kindly.

• “It’s intense to get through each of those ranks. Every time they were able to move their name to the next rank, it’s a huge accomplishment,” she said. “Life’s not always easy – you have to power through things, it just helps with everything.”

Buckthal has applied those leadership skills as president of the fishing club at Fort Walton Beach High School and was nominated by his principal for the Okaloosa Leadership program.

Last October, Buckthal led the Scout Oath and Law during an event honoring Rep. Patt Maney receiving the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. During the event, Buckthal shared his journey in scouting.

“Many people describe being a Boy Scout as an intricate society of individuals that are all striving towards the same goal, to be an Eagle Scout,” Buckthal said. “After being in Scouts though, I have realized there is so much more to this program for youth. The trips, planning, leadership, expression of new ideas, morals, and values mean more than the Eagle Scout badge itself.”

His younger brother Chandler, 14, recently completed his Eagle Scout project by building an archery range at Fort Walton Beach High School. The freshman funded the entire project independently by seeking sponsorships from local businesses.

“He fundraised completely for the entire project – went around to businesses and got sponsorships. It’s been a beast, but it looks good,” Tiffany Buckthal said. “I think the biggest thing for Chandler is that he persevered. He didn’t give up.”

• Both boys began their scouting journey through Cub Scouts, with Chandler starting before first grade by participating in family camping events. They have remained active in sports, including baseball and cross country, while advancing through the ranks.

Bradley, whose 18th birthday is Nov. 1, is currently applying for colleges and preparing for his next chapter while balancing his recognition with his ongoing commitment to the Vikings baseball team.

During Wednesday’s recognition ceremony, Gable presented Buckthal with a certificate of recognition.

“While not selected as a delegate to represent Florida he was selected as the first alternate should one of the two selected delegates not be able to attend,” Gable said. “For that, the Town of Shalimar is proud to recognize his accomplishment and present him with this certificate of recognition.”