Legion salutes Boys' State candidates

PHOTO PROVIDED Pictured above are Bath area youth who attended the recent Boys' State orientation luncheon in Bath, in preparation for attending 2008 Boys' State: Robert Cilino, Cody Hutcheson, Jason Carpenter, and Karl VanAmburg

BATH - The Steuben County American Legion recently honored Candidates selected to participate in 2008 Boys' State this summer, joining approximately 1,100 others sponsored by local Legion Posts statewide. An orientation luncheon was held in Bath on June 7 at the Charles E. Wescott Post # 254 for participating boys and their parents. Steuben County American Legion Boys' State Chairman, Mike McNally, assisted by past State Commander William Brown of Hornell and Bob Peisher (U.S.A.F. Retired), provided information and answered questions concerning the Boys' State program.

National, state, and county American Legion organizations sponsor Boys' State, and this program gives boys from every county in New York the experience of forming and understanding democratic government. At the same time it encourages development of individual self-esteem, good character, poise and confidence in the boys who participate.

Boys' State is an American Legion program based on the concept that youth should be offered an active experiencebased perspective of the practical operation of Government; with an understanding that the individual is an integral part of, and commensurately responsible for, the character and success of his government. Courses in party political systems, democratic election processes and campaigning are offered; as are extra-curricular activities including press and reporting; multi media/powerpoint; music; and both competitive and recreational athletics.

Boys' State is easily classified as a Leadership Action Program. Qualified male high school juniors participate in this practical government course- a course designed to develop in the young citizens a working knowledge of the structure of Government, and to impress upon them that their Government is just what THEY make it.

American Legion counselors, supported by a contingent of N.C.O. Marines, will coordinate and administer the Boys' State, which will be held from June 27-July 3 at Morrisville State College in Morrisville, 30 miles east of Syracuse. Twenty-five boys sponsored by the various local Legion Posts throughout Steuben County will be departing from Bath, embarking on this adventure in citizenship.

Boys' State is not a summer camp. Only young men with outstanding qualifications in leadership, character, scholarship, service and citizenship who will have a serious attitude toward an intensive citizenship training program are selected.