Officials made Official: Wednesday Night’s Inauguration Ceremony

Photos contributed by Jay Mitnaul.

American Legion Buckeye Boys State (ALBBS) held its inauguration ceremony on Wednesday in Millet Hall with special guest Ohio Chief Justice Sharon Kennedy.
Kennedy has served as Ohio’s Chief Justice since November 2022. Prior to serving in Ohio’s Supreme Court, Kennedy ran her own solo practicion and served in the Butler County Court of Common Pleas.

She was present at the inauguration ceremony to swear in all members of public office at city, county, and state levels before delivering a speech near the end of the ceremony.

Every year, Kennedy returns to convey the importance of having the type of government that the United States has, as well as the power each person has to influence their own lives.

“We are a republic, and that means our voice controls the government…I think that is the miracle of what the founders gave us,” said Kennedy, reminding delegates of the power their voice has in government.

During her speech, Kennedy also highlighted the importance of the legionnaires, and how vital their service was in the protection of freedom. “I love coming here and sharing the story of the legionnaires,” said Kennedy.

Chief Justice Kennedy swore in Governor-elect Dajeun Dickerson Jr. of Zulch City. Dickerson was sworn in last, receiving salutes from the honor guard, as well as escort from Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers.

“I just feel gratitude, appreciation. I just can’t thank the delegates for voting for me enough,” Dickerson said regarding his thoughts and emotions during his inauguration.

After groups of elected officials were sworn in, they were met with applause from delegates, filling Millet Hall with a positive and supportive atmosphere.

The inauguration marked a transition at ALBBS. Delegates’ lives shifted from structure and rigidity to freedom and control as they began their own jobs.