Riley Loughan is one of the Junior Counselors here at this year’s New York Boy’s State. This is his third trip to NY Boy’s State (once virtually). He is currently an Army ROTC Cadet attending Clarkson University and he recently completed the Army’s Air Assault school at Fort Drum. He wote this story for me last year and I wanted to share it here.

Two years ago, I had the opportunity to attend NY Boy’s State- from my house in Beekmantown, NY. I first heard of Boy’s State from the Clinton County Legion Commander, a close friend of mine. I had decided to do it, no matter what the circumstance. I just hoped 2021 wasn’t another year where it was impossible, and I ended up having the opportunity to attend the very different- but very influential- Virtual Boy’s State. 

This consisted of considerable screen time, as I and 400 other Boys watched fantastic videos, heard from amazing speakers, and debated on topics just as we would in an in-person Boy’s State. I excelled at the diplomatic aspect, working with people I can now call my friends. I even got to call myself Lieutenant Governor.  I knew that what I was missing out on was the brotherhood that Boy’s Staters create together, and I had to get there somehow. 

With the help of Mr. Toth, from Clarkson Army ROTC, I was set up with the opportunity to go as a Junior Counselor in 2022. My experience was fantastic. Boy’s State is a “melting pot for color, creed and nationality” (lyrics from the Alma Mater). The primary job of the Junior Counselor is to assist with the County/City Counselors in whatever they need. Most of the time, this includes involving yourself with the Boy’s as much as you can, and running errands in the meantime. I had the opportunity to get to know many of the Boys, the Marines, and the Counselors. All the while, watching sporting events, participating in PT, and witnessing the Boy’s grow together. 

My takeaway from this year’s program actually goes pretty deep. In one week, I was reassured more than ever that I am on the right path doing Army ROTC at Clarkson, especially after meeting Cadets Teplitzky and Moss. I also got a closer look at the type of leader I want to be, the strategies for communication that work, and those that don’t. I met amazing people, and Mr. William Coleman, a USMC veteran of Hornell, NY became my mentor for the week. I made a great friend, and learned strategies toward life I find myself utilizing daily. Without the Junior Counselor experience, I never would have met such amazing folks

Riley continues to volunteer at Boy’s State, which allows him to learn how to lead, coach and mentor others, skills he will need once he graduates from college and becomes an Army Officer.

If you are a Boy’s State Alumni able to give a week of your time in the Summer we would love to see more voluteers willing to keep this program going.