(Morrisville, NY – June 2013) Morrisville State will host more than 1,100 high school junior boys and staff at this year’s Boys State government camp, sponsored by the American Legion, June 23 to 28.
Classified as a Leadership Action Program, Boys State accepts young men with outstanding qualifications in leadership, character, service and citizenship who reflect on the image of the youth of America.
Developed to educate young men and create an interest in the operation and structure of the government, Boys State participants learn the importance of the individual in the success and progress of the government. The program also provides training in leadership, character and citizenship development.
Participants follow a daily physical program including calisthenics and marching in preparation of a parade, one of the high points of the program.
Boys State was developed by the American Legion in 1938 and its participants have influenced actual government legislation in the past. The junior driving license issued at the age of 16 was an idea passed on to the legislature in the 50s by Boys State. Well-known participants who have participated in Boys State include: former President Bill Clinton, former Vice President Al Gore and astronaut Neil Armstrong.
Scheduled to speak during Boys State are:
Sun. June 23 Colin Schmitt Boys’ Nation and Boys’ State 2009
Mon. June 24 Richard Hanna, U.S. Congressman
Fred Ashforth, Public Speaking Trainer
Tues. June 25 Scott McNamara, D.A. Oneida County
Frank Patience, Secretary of the NY State Senate
Claudia Tenney and Bill Magee, NY State Legislators
Wed. June 26 Joseph Griffo, NY State Senator
Anthony Picente, Oneida County Executive
Chris Watson, Boys’ Nation Representative and Former Boys’ State Governor 2012
Steve Jones, Attorney in Madison County
Thurs. June 27 Helen Sperling, Holocaust survivor
Nick Longo, Boys’ Nation NY 2011
Judge McDermott of Madison County
Fri. June 28 Major General Patrick Murphy, U.S. Army Reserves, NY
David Valesky, NY State Senator