Morrisville State College to host 2012 Boys State

Morrisville State College 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 24 to 29.



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 to meals in preparation of a parade, one of the high points of the program.



Scheduled to speak during Boys State are:

Sunday, June 24, 4 p.m. – U.S. Rep. Richard Hanna

Monday, June 25, 8:30 a.m. - Scott MacNamara, Oneida County district attorney, and Fred Ashforth, an experienced speaker, writer, trainer and consultant who owns Ashforth Associates

Tuesday, June 26, 8:30 a.m. - Helen Sperling, a Holocaust survivor, and Colin Schmitt, a former Boys State participant and Boys Nation delegate

Wednesday, June 27, 8:30 a.m. – State Sen. Joe Griffo and Nick Longo, a former Boys State participant and Boys Nation delegate

Thursday, June 28, 8:30 a.m. - Patrick Soos, Lt. Col. Retired US Army and ROTC



Boys State was developed by the American Legion in 1938 and its participants have influenced real 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.



Boys State participants who choose to attend Morrisville State College are eligible for scholarships.