Here at Boys’ State everyone from the counselors and marines to the students, admire leadership and interdependence. For example, the boys can show leadership by putting themselves out there for positions, such as city mayor or governor. Participants can also organize their own softball, basketball, and soccer teams, ensuring they have the best team possible … Continue reading
Tag Archives: American Legion
American Legion Boys State: Caucuses and the Election Process
To select candidates and elect officials for city, county, and state positions, caucuses are held by the participants of Boys State. When one of the boys run for a position, they are allowed a three-minute speech before the voting commences. Almost all of the participants enjoy this process because it gives them a chance to … Continue reading
Call to Convention
Day 3 of NYS Boys’ State started strong with Marines instructing physical training at 0600. Citizens later in the morning had an assembly where they were offered some words of advice from multiple speakers. First, the District Attorney of Oneida County Scott McNamara talked about his experience as a District Attorney and several projects that … Continue reading
“Showing up is the hardest part” – Colin Schmitt
By: Joshua Tardy – Boy’s State #0304 On Monday morning all us boys were present at an assembly. New York State Assemblyman, Colin Schmitt of Assembly District 99 attended the assembly as a guest speaker. Mr. Schmitt took part in Boy’s State in 2007, which he was a resident of the city Roosevelt. Mr. Schmitt … Continue reading
Sporting Staters
This afternoon in Morrisville, the first round of our softball and basketball tournaments have kicked off strong. Games were played between the two cities of every county, with the winning cities moving on to the next round which will be held tomorrow. Tough competition and sportsmanship flooded the fields and courts as fellow Boys’ Staters … Continue reading
First Impressions
As I approached SUNY Morrisville, excitement and nervousness flowed through my body. I was uncertain of how I would fit in with the rest of the guys but found comfort in a familiar face while I walked up the steps, where I would wait for about forty-five minutes in the heat of the day to … Continue reading
New York Boy’s State 2021 – Here we go!
We are days away from kicking off what will hopefully be the first and last virtual Boy’s State for New York’s American Legion Department. Although it’s disappointing not to be in person, we will make the best of it. There won’t be the flurry of activities, the marching and sports and music and other activities … Continue reading
Lessons Learned -Richard Marko – Class of 2008
My first year as a county counselor I was a little nervous about having an increased level of responsibility for the first time as Boy’s State. One thing that calmed my nerves was meeting the Marine that would be assisting me that year. Sgt Marko brought the professional demeanor of a solid NCO, but he … Continue reading
Return On Investment – Larry Waterman – Class of 1976
In the beginning it’s all about change. It seems the younger we are, the more we are surrounded by change. Younger folks embrace change, and are comfortable with change. “Growing up” is indeed a definition of personal change. Situations change, but often we miss the opportunity to look at the change within us. Boy’s State … Continue reading
Dan Fletcher – Class of 1985
I attended Boys State in 1985. I was selected by my American Legion with another boy (actually they announced it on the schools public address system and we were they only two to show up), we had a breakfast at the Williamson American Legion with our sponsors and off we went. At the time, Boys … Continue reading
American Legion Boys' State New York 