Morrisville State to host 2014 Boys State

Morrisville State will host more than 1,000 high school junior boys and staff at this year's Boys State government camp June 27-July 3.



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.



Boys State is a weeklong civics and leadership program, sponsored by the American Legion, where hundreds of students from across New York attend and spend their week creating their own mythical state. Throughout the week, the students learn how to run for offices, organize campaigns and pass bills. They also develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for how government works.



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 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 being 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 a scholarship.



Scheduled to speak during Boys State are:

Fri. June 27 Colin Schmitt, aide to NY State Senator Greg Ball, Boys State, Boys Nation 2008, 7:30 p.m.



Sat. June 28 Scott McNamara, Oneida County District Attorney

Fred Ashforth, public speaking trainer, 8:30 p.m.



Sun. June 29 Kal Socol, Cantor Reformed Temple of Utica, 8 a.m.

Msgr. James Lang, Diocese of Syracuse, 8 a.m.

Helen Sperling, holocaust survivor, 9 a.m.



Mon. June 30 John Fiore, Boys State 2013, New York Mills School Board, 8:30 a.m.

David Valesky, NY State Senator, 8:30 a.m.

Chad Lupinacci, NY State Assemblyman, 8:30 a.m.

Samuel Evans, 2013 Boys State, 2013 Boys Nation, 2013 Cadet West Point, 8:30 a.m.

Steven Jones Esq., Morrisville, 11 a.m.

James Van Wormer, former superintendent, Waterville Schools, 1 p.m.

Colin Idzi, Oneida County Legislator, 1 p.m.

Jon Wright, fire chief, Waterville, 1 p.m.

David Meeker, chief of police, City of Oneida, 1 p.m.

Allen Reilly, Madison County Sheriff, 1 p.m.



Tues. July 1 Joe Griffo, NY State Senator, 9:30 a.m.

Hon. Dennis K. McDermott, family court judge, Madison County, 1 p.m.



Wed. July 2 Major General Patrick Murphy, Air National Guard, Albany, 8:30 a.m.