7 Toms River South students were nominated last year to attend the annual session of Girls and Boys State, run by the American Legion. The “rising seniors” included: Chloe Seluchins, Lillene Raia, Caroline Dowd, Garrett Johnston, Quintus Sturzbecher, Dean Mabie, and Noah Hilsdorf. Both programs are designed to highlight the workings of government and how civil discourse can lead to a better future.
The Boys State session went from June 20th-25th and was held in person at Rider University. The men were divided into imaginary “cities” of some 20 people, that were attached to another “city” to form a “county”. The collective cities and counties made up a state, Boys State. The days went from 6 AM to as long as 1AM, depending on what your tasks were. There were elections held to run the various governments, but also sports activities and guest speaking events almost every day.
Delegate Garrett Johnston believed going to Boys State was something special; “The program really stressed the importance of public service and helping our community.”
Attendee Dean Mabie believed “it was a great experience!”
“I was able to learn more about democracy and how our state government functions.”
“I was able to be an assemblyman for my “county” and I learned how government works and how to work with people to pass [things] that can truly benefit the people. I am truly grateful for my time there.”
The Toms River South delegation did truly have a lot of fun at the event and took away many important lessons
“I gained an understanding of how state politics work[s] and how people interact with each other in politics.” said delegate Quintus Sturzbecher.
Quintus, who helped coin “Blazegate”, a scandal that rocked Boys State, valued his ability and any citizen’s ability to challenge leadership and “influence who became State governor”.
The Girls State session occurred on June 19th-25th. The attendees worked in groups and in forums to grow a better understanding of what the United States is all about. Girl’s state was developed on the same premise as Boys State and is traditionally held at Georgian Court University in Lakewood. Although, this past summer the event was held virtually.
Delegate Chloe Seluchins thought the experience was “extremely worth it. I learned a lot about politics I never thought I would learn. It helped me understand the voting process, and how elections run smoothly.”
Lily Raia took useful lessons from it; “I learned how to run for positions in government and how to make my own decisions on who I see fit to run it. I also learned about time management.”
Overall for these individuals, it was an amazing chance to put together an understanding of how democracy works and how you can take that understanding and move to make your town, state, and country a better home for all.
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