06/18/2026
Boys State starts next week... Congratulations to all those attending this years program...
The Department of NY Boys State Program is a highly prestigious, week-long leadership and citizenship training program sponsored by the American Legion Department of New York.
It immerses high school juniors in a hands-on, simulated learning environment to understand the practical operations of New York State government.
Participants, commonly called "statesmen," are selected based on leadership, character, and academic merit.
Key features of the program include:
"Learn by Doing" Government Simulation: Students are divided into mock cities, counties, and a state. They run political campaigns, hold elections, draft legislation, and operate court systems using a two-party system.
Leadership & Military Influence: The New York program notably integrates a semi-regimented atmosphere, featuring marching instruction and early-morning physical training guided by the U.S. Marines and American Legion counselors.
Education & Activities: Participants attend daily assemblies with guest speakers from government, law enforcement, and the military. Extracurricular activities such as a state band, chorus, and journalism corps are also offered.
Scholarship Opportunities: Top delegates may earn college credits and compete for prestigious awards like the Samsung Scholarship. Two standout statesmen are also selected each year to represent New York at the national Boys Nation program.
Cost: Expenses are typically covered by local American Legion posts and sponsoring civic organizations, making it virtually cost-free for the selected students.
We would encourage those students who will be finishing their Junior Year next year to apply...
It's Throwback Thursday 📜
While going through some old files, I came across a letter from then Erie County Clerk Genevieve M. Starosciak congratulating me on being selected to attend American Legion Boys State while I was a junior at Bishop Timon High School in 1986.
Boys State is a highly respected leadership and citizenship program where high school students learn firsthand how government works by running mock local and state governments, campaigning for office, drafting legislation, and tackling real-world issues.
Looking back, it's amazing to think how that experience helped spark a lifelong interest in public service. Decades later, I now have the honor of serving as Erie County Clerk and working every day to make government more accessible and responsive to all our residents.
Sometimes a simple letter can serve as a powerful reminder that investing in young people today helps shape the leaders of tomorrow. Good luck to all the young men attending Boys State this summer and to the young ladies in the parallel program, Girls State!
