Morrisville State to host 2013 Boys State

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 23-28.



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.



Boys State participants who choose to attend Morrisville State are eligible to receive up to a $2,000 scholarship over the course of their degree.



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