OFFICIALS

Student Officials

Webmasters: Hashaam Qazi (Left), Thomas Fitzsimmons (Right), Matthew Mellini (Middle Top)

Public Relations: Nathan Thayer (Top Left), John Burdic

Administration Officials

David O'Brien

Peter Verzillo
 

Al Bero

Tom Schreck

Department Commader

James W. Casey

Interviews

Kevin A. Brown II

On June 27, 2007, the fourth day of Boys’ State of New York, the citizens of Boys’ State were visited by Kevin A. Brown II, the 2005-2006 Boys’ State Governor.  Kevin is a Syracuse native who just graduated in the top 30% of his class from William Nottingham High School. Along with winning the election for Governor of Boys’ State, Kevin was selected to represent Boys’ State of New York at Boys’ Nation where he eventually was elected to Chairman of the Committee, he was also the second place winner in the Department of New York Oratorical winner. Kevin is humble, but proud of what he has accomplished in life.  He is charismatic, an amazing speaker, and very intellectual, all of which are qualities of a great leader. Recently our website staff had the honor to sit down with Kevin Brown for an interview.

Q:  How did you feel about winning Boys’ State Governor, Boys’ Nation Chairman of the Committee, and 2^nd prize for the Department of
      New York Oratorical?
A:  When I won Governor I was humbled, honored, and very gratified. When I was elected for Chairman of the Committee I felt challenged,
      which is both a good thing, and a bad.I feel that I had a good experience from getting 2^nd for the Department of New York Oratorical. 
      was disappointed that I didn’t win, but very proud for beating quite of few other people, but not too proud as to be full of myself.

Q:  How was your experience at Boys’ Nation?
A:  My experience was very good.  I was taught good service, how to appreciate Humanity more, and to appreciate diversity of ideas and
      policies.

Q:  While you were running for the office of Boys’ State of New York Governor how did you run you campaigns?
A:  I just spoke.  I talked about issues that I believed pertained to my generation.  Issues such as Civic Involvement and service.  I just let my
      words speak for who I was and what I represent.

Q: From all of the awards and honors you have won from the American Legion alone it is certain that you will be going far in life.  Where are
     you planning to go to college, and what are you planning to major in?
A:  I am attending SUNY school in Albany, and I plan on majoring in Political Sciences with a concentration in international relations.

Q: Other Than winning governor, Chairman of the Committee, and 2^nd place for the Department of New York Oratorical, what other notable
     awards and scholarships have you won?
A: Last year I was chosen for Student of the year by a local business.  I was given an award from the NAACP for public service work.  I was
     also given the Triple C award for my public service work. I have also received a $500 scholarship from my school, along with numerous
     grants for college work from various organizations.

Gary Klaeysen

Gary Klaeysen is a city counselor for the city of Neville of the County of Bock. Outside of Boys’ State he lives in Palmyra New York, and works as a self employed sub contractor. He is happily married to Candy Klaeysen, and has three step children and two grandchildren.
Mr. Klaeysen recently sat down with the website staff for an interview.

Q: What made you want to come to Boys’ State as a counselor?
A: A friend who died, John Truitt, wanted him to become a counselor, and he believes that the Marines would keep it running smoothly and  
    orderly.

Q: What was your first impression here at Boys’ State?
A: Confusion when dealing with setting up how to move the boys from the drop off point to their rooms, the great quality of the Marines who
     took charge, and how good the living arrangements were.

Q: The impression of all the citizens of Boys’ State.
A: They were intelligent way above the norm, and were very sharp.

Q: What sticks out the most to you?
A: John Folk, his county counselor, treating all the boys fairly and justly.

Q: Will you come back next year?
A: Yes.

Q: Any advice for fellow counselors?
A: All counselors need to make sure that they are in control. Be tactful, courteous, respectful, and need to follow marines persona.

Bernie Sampson

Bernie Sampson, the current Office Manager of the American Legion Boys’ State of New York State, is a member of the 40 et 8 and has currently won the position of the CHEF DE CHEMIN DE FER It is the highest position a member of the 40 et 8 can hold and is quite an honor to receive. Mr. Sampson was recently interviewed by the website staff.

Q: How many years have you worked with the American Legion Boys’ State of New York, and what positions have you held while working
     here?
A: 15 years. I started as a city counselor as everyone here did, became a county counselor, became the Office Manager assistant, and now
     hold the office of Office Manager.

Q: What will you miss about working at Boys’ State?
A: The people I have worked with. They were all very professional, and even though we do joke around, they always get the job done.

Q: From all of your experiences here at Boys’ State of New York what would you say your favorite memory is?
A: I was a city counselor during my second year working here and one of my boys became governor.

Q: What was the biggest factor in your decision to run for the position as National Chef de Chimder Fir?
A: Every time I gained a new office in the 40 et 8 I decided that I could go further, and wanted to. Now I’ve reached the pinnacle of the
     organization, I can’t go any further because there is nowhere left to go.

Q: What do you plan to do as National Chef de Chimder Fir?
A: I intend on pushing the programs and policies of the 40 et 8 and other various organizations. I will also be traveling the country and foreign
    countries such as Germany, Puerto Rico, France, and a few countries in Central America so that I can push the programs of the 40 et 8
    around the world.

Q: Do you ever intend on returning to the Boys’ State program?
A: I’ll be back after next year. I just have to travel for a year and then I’ll be back.