American Legion Post 214 members hear Boys State report by three local students

WARWICK — They all agreed that it was an incredible experience.
During a recent meeting at Warwick's American Legion Post 214, three Warwick Valley High School seniors - Zack Bauman, Brian Rieber and Adian Finn - addressed its members to report on their experience at Boys State this past summer.
American Legion Boys State is a weeklong program that immerses high school students in citizenship and leadership training.
Legion posts select high school juniors to attend the program. And while there, they learn the practical aspects of government as it exists in New York State and also participate in physical fitness, teamwork and other activities, under the guidance of American Legion counselors and U.S. Marines.
Part of the weeklong exercise includes running for a state office and all three students won elections to various public offices.
"The program helped us develop leadership skills," said Finn.
That should be useful since he hopes to receive an appointment to the Air Force or Naval Academy before graduation.
"Boys State was an eye opener," said Rieber who plans to enroll in a State University of New York school pre-med program and major in biology with the goal of eventually becoming a doctor.
"I loved it," said Bauman, who also appreciated the leadership training since he wants to receive an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy and earn a commission as a Marine Corps officer.
For additional information about Boys State call American Legion Post 214 at 986-1290 or visit www.legion.org/boysnation/stateabout.
- Roger Gavan