From June 15-21, eight ORR juniors will attend the Boys’ and Girls’ State Convention sponsored by the American Legion’s Florence Eastman Post 280 at Stonehill College, 320 Washington St., in North Easton.
To be eligible for Boys’/Girls’ State, students must be a member of the junior class and have achieved high academic success. Student delegates must also show evidence of leadership ability and an interest in the democratic process.
“This program truly engages students in the democratic process and learning about our government,” said ORR Superintendent of Schools Mike Nelson. “It’s civic education at its finest and empowers our juniors to feel they have a voice in what matters in our communities.”
At the convention, student delegates will study local and state government. They will establish and operate their own cities and towns and state government. This will include forming two political parties, holding conventions, nominating candidates, conducting campaigns and electing officials. The primary goal of Boys’/Girls’ State is for participants to develop a better understanding of how state government functions.
“I’m proud that these students will be representing Old Rochester at Boy’s and Girls’ State this month,” said ORRHS Principal Mike Devoll. “This will be a wonderful opportunity for the students to demonstrate leadership skills on a state-wide level.”
Boys’ State: Xavier Pateakos is sponsored by The American Legion Florence Eastman Post 280. Wesner Archelus is sponsored by Lawrence DiCara, Esquire, in memory of George White, and Luke Devoe in memory of Jack DeCosta. Nolan Bushnell is sponsored by the Machacum Club.
Girls’ State: Ella Bartholomew is sponsored by The American Legion Florence Eastman Post 280. Emily Wyman is sponsored by The Mattapoisett Police Department. Caroline Brogioli is sponsored by Lawrence DiCara, Esquire, in memory of Gerry DeCosta. Emerson Gonet is sponsored by the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club.