Good citizens: Legion sends local students for a crash course in government
From right: Legislator Stephanie Bontempi, Northport Village Mayor Donna Koch, as well as Town of Huntington (TOH) Receiver of Taxes Jillian Guthman and town clerk Andrew Raia with student participants of the American Legion Boys State and American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Empire Girls State programs and Northport American Legion Post 694 Commander Bill McKenna.
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A reception honoring the 2023 students of the Boys State and Girls State programs took place at the Northport American Legion last Wednesday, July 12, a celebration of a decades-long tradition that sends local high school students on a crash course in government and politics.
The Legion has been fundraising and sending the rising seniors from local high schools to the American Legion Boys State and American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Empire Girls State since 1954.
“Boys State and Girls State are terrific programs that really do not get the attention that they deserve,” said event attendee Legislator Stephanie Bontempi. “The programs are unique in that they don’t only provide a practical education in civics, but also promote patriotic values that inspire young people to be engaged citizens and leaders.”
A noteworthy component of the programs has the students act out the legislative process by taking on simulated elected roles and tackling a relevant issue. Exercises like these, combined with other educational activities, fill an often overlooked gap when it comes to preparing young adults for the future in an increasingly complex world.
“Without understanding government on a basic and local level, many people are short-changing themselves,” added Bontempi. “The earlier people are equipped with this knowledge, the easier it will be for their voices to be heard. I am so grateful that the American Legion continues to deliver these opportunities to the up-and-coming generations.”
Northport Legion Commander Bill McKenna has been in charge of the local initiative for the past five years – every year the Legion sends as many students as it can up to college for a week to gain a working knowledge of government structure and good citizenship. The Legion fundraises to send the boys and girls to their respective programs and covers everything including housing, food and transportation at a cost of $550 per student.
This year, the Legion sent seven boys and seven girls to the State program. The young men who went include Northport High School students Joseph Cipollino and Quinn Reynolds as well as Elwood John H. Glenn student Christopher Sanelli. Sadie Callaghan, Sienna Lombardo, Emily Wickard and Molly Zambri represented Northport High School for the girls, and were joined by East Northport resident and John Glenn High School student Addison Perinchief.
To learn more about the Boys State and Girls State programs, click here.
