(Huntington, N.Y.) Councilwoman Susan A. Berland and Councilman Mark Mayoka attended a celebration at the Northport American Legion clubhouse Wednesday evening to celebrate this year’s candidates for the 2013 Boys and Girls State program.
The Boys and Girls State programs are summer leadership and citizenship programs sponsored by the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary for high school juniors. Post #964 of the Northport American Legion is New York State’s largest sponsoring American Legion Post of the Boys/Girls State programs.
“The Boys and Girls State programs instill the value of civic responsibility at a crucial age,” commented Councilwoman Berland. “By engaging our young people in the governmental process prior to their first experience voting, these programs take steps to ensure that participants remain interested in using their voice in our democratic society and continue to support our government and its ideals.”
“We’re proud that the Town has American Legion Post 694, one of New York States largest sponsoring American Legion Post of Boys/Girls state programs, which has been offering this program since 1981,” commented Councilman Mayoka. “It’s a great opportunity for students to experience government firsthand, with essential training and skills they will acquire and utilize throughout their entire lives not only in the political realm but also in private industry.”
