Seven junior high students from the Cazenovia Central School District have recently returned from attending this summer’s 81st annual New York State Boys’ State, sponsored by the American Legion.
Selectees participate in a program in which students become part of the operation of local, county, state and federal governments. The young men who attend Boys’ State have been nominated, interviewed and selected based on their outstanding qualifications in academics, leadership, character and citizenship by a committee comprised of their respective American Legion Posts.
The American Legion Posts of Cazenovia and New Woodstock this year sent students Noah DeRochie, Zach Wendel, Kevin Ammann, Joe McLaughlin, Teddy Williams, Ben Knutsen and Liam Flannery to the June 24 to 29 event at SUNY Morrisville State College.
“The Cazenovia and New Woodstock American Legion Posts are very proud to send these fine young men to NY Boys’ State,” said Scott Phillips, chair of the Cazenovia American Legion Post 88 Boys’ State Committee. “The Legion sends these students tuition-free through member dues, business and private donations dedicated solely to conducting Boys’ State. Our only request of them is to return from Boys’ State to their communities and conduct themselves as an example for others as how to be a good citizen.”
The weeklong, boarding-style, event taught 878 young men from across New York State the mechanics of city, county, and state governments, giving them the chance to run for elective offices and then perform those duties, which include an elected governor, county, and city officials, exactly as reflected in NY State to impress upon them that government is what they make it. Its participatory, fast paced environment teaches them to think, prioritize, and act quickly.
Boys’ State is recognized by university admissions, U.S. military academies and employers as an indication of strong leadership and character traits.
“I understand much better the roles of county and city government and the roles of each selected job,” said Ben Knutsen upon his return from Boys’ State. “It will definitely help me when I’m voting this year once I am 18.”
Zach Wendel said, “I learned to appreciate the difficulty of politics and the importance of voting. I also learned to not ignore the small details as they can become remarkably important to your goals.”
In addition to the democratic process and presentations by keynote speakers, extracurricular activities included music and sports. U.S. Marines were also there to add a military demeanor to the event by teaching the boys close order drill (marching), public speaking and leadership skills.
“My favorite part would have to be the drilling and marching with our Marine and learning about his experiences,” said Joe McLaughlin, whose brother, Matthew, attended last year. “I learned many key pieces of advice from the people who spoke to us, especially my county’s Marine and the major that spoke to my county. They emphasized leadership traits and taught us many things that will influence my life in the future and will help me be a more well-rounded leader and better citizen in my community.”
The time and tedium of the caucuses were a common refrain from the attendees, that helped enlighten them of the efforts made by citizens in our governments, local or national.
At the end of Boys’ State, only two Citizens from each of the 49 states (Hawaii does not conduct a Boys’ State) were selected to participate in Boys’ Nation this summer in Arlington, Va.
