Walt Whitman Students Selected For American Legion Citizenship Program

SOUTH HUNTINGTON, NY — Nine students from Walt Whitman High School were chosen to participate in the American Legion’s long-standing Boys’ State and Girls’ State programs, the South Huntington School District announced.

Students Nayira Kabarajian, Eliana Montague, Andrew Connolly, Jack Fischer, Alexander Seeloff, Jaren Smullian, Shaun Murphy, Kieran Davis, and Romel Farquharson displayed leadership, character, scholarship, loyalty and service in their schools and community, according to the district.

The students will represent the South Huntington School District at the Boys’ and Girls’ State Conferences this summer.

The Boys’ State program, which recognizes emerging young leaders throughout the nation, was founded in 1935. The Girls’ State program first held a session in 1938, and since 1948 has been a part of the American Legion Auxiliary’s citizenship program. The mission is to teach students how government works, and that each person is an integral part of government and responsible for its success.

Alumni of the programs include current and former senators, house representatives, governors, journalists, and heads of industry. Names include New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, astronaut Neil Armstrong, journalists Tom Brokaw and Jane Pauley, and musicians Jon Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen.

American Legion Boys’ and Girls’ State is designed to give participants a working knowledge of the structure of government and share that their government is what they make it, according to the school district.

The apolitical training teaches students how to govern on a city, county and state level. They learn how political parties are formed, how campaigns are run, how bills are written, and experience political maneuvering. Activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, chorus and recreational programs.