Local Student To Learn About Government Hands-On At Massachusetts Boys State At Stonehill College

announced that junior Aaron Bonaguide will be attending the 2011 Massachusetts Boys State Program sponsored by the American Legion at Stonehill College in Easton. 

 Aaron was selected among his peers for his outstanding academics and keen interest in American politics. He is an honor student and is actively involved in both his home and school community. 

 Over 400 of the best and brightest junior boys from high schools all around the state will participate in this program. Each student will be placed into a municipality (either a city or town), where he will learn the fundamentals of local government. Each municipality consists of 25 to 30 Boys Staters that will live and work together with the guidance and support of the dedicated staff of counselors. The program supplements the classroom experience by allowing students to learn about and run their own model state and local government. There are three major components to the program: Political, educational and social. 

 Students will learn the fundamentals of politics and how government runs. They will begin to explore the intricacies of the two-party system, including party caucuses and conventions. The students will be allowed to participate in an electoral process, in local elections and statewide pre-primary elections and final elections.

 Students will attend several general education sessions where topics range from The Bill of Rights to a discussion of the college admissions process and educational funding. They are given the choice of three elective courses. The students will attend a series of lectures given by expert staff members in government, law and economics. 

 Students will also be given a taste of the college life on a college campus. They will interact with counselors who serve as mentors for college and career planning.  All students will be given time to participate in various activities including organized and informal sports and the Boys State Band.