Twenty-five students from Shelton High School were chosen to participate in a state-wide citizenship training program called Girls and Boys State, run by the American Legion.
Girls and Boys State is a citizenship training program for high school students.
These young leaders take part in a week-long government education program that develops their knowledge of Connecticut government, the democratic processes, Parliamentary Procedure and American citizenship as well as their own leadership skills.
The girls selected must be members of the junior class who are United States citizens and who maintain a “B” average.
Teachers are asked to nominate girls based on their interest in citizenship, government and current events, cooperative attitude and high moral character, leadership abilities and good sportsmanship.
From this group of nominees, interested students are then asked to submit a self-nomination form, an activities resume and an essay on the topic, What being an American Means to Me. The essays and resumes are reviewed by members of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, who select the girls who will attend this week-long event at Eastern Connecticut State University from June 26 through July 1.
The following students were selected to represent Shelton High School at Girls State: Michele Guedes, Nicole Hansen, Jessica Lauria, Caitlin Larke, Rachel Najarian, Kathleen O’Brien, Kayla Skinner, Shannon Bolton, Kathryn Bailey.
To be eligible for Boys State students must be a member of the junior class and a citizen of the United States.
Teachers are asked to nominate students based on their interest in the practical operation of government and the various ways democracy works.
Nominees must also demonstrate outstanding qualities of leadership, character, scholarship, loyalty and service to school.
After an information session on the program, interested boys are asked to sign up for an interview with representatives from the American Legion.
Students are selected to attend based on their interviews.
This week-long event takes place at Eastern Connecticut State University from June 19 through 24.
The following students were selected to represent Shelton High School at Boys State: John Bica, Andrew DaRin, Kenneth Giangregorio, Edward Hunt, Brian Lampart, Justin Letendre, Billy Maloney, Alexander Oppel, Joseph Ortoli, Kyle Packnick, Michael Rak, Karl Schif, Gary Thompson, Steve Torres, Douglas Turaj, Christopher Wilson.
Dr. Beth Smith, Headmaster at Shelton High School, commented, “I congratulate all of our students who were selected to participate in these programs. I am thankful for the American Legion and the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary for their dedication to this program and for sponsoring our students.”
