Two from Portland High Attending Boys State

Two Portland students headed to Eastern Connecticut State University this past weekend to take part in a week-long program where they'll join others to form a mock state government and tackle real issues. 

The students representing Portland at Boys State 2011 are William Judge and Shayde Nofziger, both juniors. 

Funds to sponsor the students were raised by the Ormont Post No. 69 of the American Legion. Post Commander Reg Farrington said the $300 needed to send the students to Boys State was raised thanks to the proceeds from two breakfasts held each year in conjunction with Memorial Day and Veterans Day. The breakfasts are prepared and served at the Legion headquarters at 12 Freestone Ave.  

More than 200 high school juniors from across the state will be taking part in Boys State. Full days of planned events were scheduled from Sunday through Friday.

Starting Sunday, they attended classes and held discussions after being divided into two parties, Federalists and Nationalists. Later in the week, they will work to elect fellow students to offices ranging from governor to legislative members. They are given real issues to tackle, with proposed solutions worked into bills, which are voted up or down. 

Those attending the event are addressed by real world political leaders, including a keynote Monday from Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman. They also will hear from and talk with state lawmakers, including Bristol Mayor Art Ward, and representatives from law enforcement. The full schedule can be viewed at the American Legion web site: http://ctboysstate.tripod.com/html/schedule.html

Farrington said he's been very pleased to help sponsor young people to the event.   He says when they leave, they've learned how to analyze proposals and "have a  good appreciation of how government works." Farrington said it's also important that students from a small town like Portland meet kids from big cities and towns across the state and get the opportunity to "learn about other people and how they think."

He says it also helps them to live in dormitories a few days and "get an acclamation for going to college."  There is also a structured military-style schedule each day with a "wake up" routine,  room inspections, scheduled events and talks, and government sessions. Each day ends with "lights out" at 11 p.m.

When selecting students to sponsor for the event, the Legion looks for those who have demonstrated service to the community or have participated in activities that benefit the town. 

Farrington said he's met with students who attended Boys State years later and they have careers in business, industry or teaching, and they all tell him it was a great experience. 

Past attendees to Boys State, according to the Legion, include Sen. Joseph Lieberman and Gov. William O'Neill.   

The American Legion also sponsors Girls State. Two juniors from Portland High School are scheduled to go to that event; they are Sally Kelley and Danielle Brainard.