Many view the American Legion Boys’ State program as a stepping stone to greatness. Neil Armstrong, Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, President Bill Clinton and Michael Jordan are among those who have participated.
While the week-long event teaches high school seniors about civics, proper citizenship, government, legislation, election processes and leadership training, attendance has declined in New York since the pandemic, especially in the Bronx.
In 2024, the Bronx had the lowest number of participants out of all five boroughs and had among the fewest numbers of any county in NYS. It only sent six kids to the program, compared to 10 for Brooklyn, eight from Manhattan, 14 from Queens and 24 for Staten Island.
“This is a phenomenal program that we are not taking full advantage of,” said Mike McNerney, a Country Club resident and retired NYPD Officer, who is the first district director for American Legion Boys’ State in Bronx/Manhattan, as well as the Bronx County chairman and the assistant to the executive director and county counselor. “It is now listed on the common app for college applications. It is also shown on class profiles for U.S. Service Academies as a program that many of their incoming freshmen participated in.”
The American Legion Boys’ State is typically held for one week at the end of June every year at SUNY Morrisville College in upstate New York. In order to attend, applicants must have at least a “B” or 80 percent average and excellent leadership potential. The boys are also required to show that they participate in student government, mock trial, speech and debate and Model United Nations. This must be verified through the student’s school.
Operated by students elected to various offices, Boys State activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law-enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, choruses and recreational programs. Legion posts select high school juniors to attend the program. In most cases, individual expenses are paid by a sponsoring post, a local business or another community-based organization.
At the event, each delegate acts as a senator from his Boys State. The young lawmakers caucus at the beginning of the session, then organize into committees and conduct hearings on bills submitted by program delegates.
Senators learn the proper method of handling bills, according to U.S. Senate rules. Participation in the political process is emphasized throughout the week, including organization of party conventions and nominating and electing a president and vice president.
The week of government training also includes lectures, forums and visits to federal agencies, national shrines, institutions, memorials and historical sites. On Capitol Hill, Boys State senators meet with elected officials from their home states.
McNerney, who has been involved with American Legion Boys for 15 years, urges students from the Bronx to sign up. In 2024, McNerney, his son James McNerney and Greg Clancy, who are both Boys State alumnus, were responsible for finding, interviewing and selecting the boys that were sent this year.
“It is a great opportunity for Bronx boys to get to know other intelligent young men their age from all corners of the state,” he said. “This is not a camp. It’s a rewarding challenge with long days and a full schedule.”
McNerney told the Bronx Times the weeklong program helps create leaders. But having just six teens participate from the borough was frustrating, he said. He hopes the high schools do a better job of promoting American Legion Boys’ State for 2025 and beyond.
“I was extremely disappointed with the response I got from high schools,” he said. “Those high schools are doing a great disservice to the student body.”
Among those who participated was Matt DeSantis of City Island. DeSantis, 17, as senior at Iona Prep in New Rochelle, said the American Legion reached out to him, but he wasn’t quite sure what to expect when he signed up.
DeSantis told the Bronx Times the weeklong program was worth attending. The teen, who has an interest in the miliary, enjoyed learning about the armed forces as well as politics.
“I didn’t really know what I was getting into,” he said. “I knew it was going to take me out of my comfort zone.”
Sponsorship per boy is approximately $500. This year the boys were sponsored by donations made by American Legion Posts (Theodore Korony #253, Leonard H. Hawkins #156, and Samuel H. Young #620). As well as a donation made by a local merchant who supports veteran run programs. (Outside organizations other than American Legion Posts can now donate to this program).
For information on applying to attend or sponsoring the program, contact Program Coordinator Ann Brown 518-463-2215 ext. 106.
