Five Pine Bush High School students attended the American Legion Auxiliary and American Legion sponsored Girls State and Boys State programs this summer.
Kate Doti, Sophia Huang and Leah Meberg were selected to attend Girls State. JT Crawford and Nico Fermanian attended Boys State. (Read their thoughts on the experience below.)
“Attending Girls’ State was an incredibly rewarding experience,” said Sophia Huang. “While I expected to learn about government and leadership, I didn’t anticipate how much personal growth I would gain along the way.”
“Girls’ State was an amazing experience,” said Leah Meberg. “I learned so much about our country and its government, and got to experience voting, legislative sessions, party caucuses, debates, rallies, county court, and more. Girls State helped me get out of my comfort zone; going into the school year, I hope the experience will make me more confident.”
All were recognized recently at a luncheon sponsored by the Pine Bush American Legion. Commander Daniel Dambrozio presented each of the attendees with a certificate for being chosen and attending the program. He also thanked Superintendent Joseph Lenz, PBHS Principal Aaron Hopmayer and teachers Ed Stelmaszyk and Charlene Webster who assisted in choosing qualified candidates for the program.
Girls’ State and Boys’ State are week-long programs that immerse students in a program of citizenship and leadership during the summer before their senior year. Those selected are exposed to the practical aspects of government in New York State. They develop a working knowledge of the structure of government and learn that they are an integral part of that government. It instills in them the responsibilities of our American citizenship as they participate in the process.
Candidates are selected by local American Legion and American Legion Auxiliaries with the assistance of high school teachers who help evaluate the potential leadership qualities of the candidates. Mr. Stalmaszyk and Ms. Webster have been part of this process for the past two years.
Commander Dambrozio comes to the high school and explains the program to the juniors. When candidates are recommended, they and their parent or parents go for an interview at the American Legion. Once the students are selected, they prepare for the event, meeting with other candidates from the region.
Mr. Stelmaszyk said that in addition to being an honor to be chosen for Girls State and Boys State, it is a lot of work.
“But every one of the kids come back stating how much they learn,” he noted. “Most state how they did things outside of their ‘comfort zones.’ Some even said that the experience changed their lives and their future trajectory.”
Congratulations to all our Pine Bush Girls’ State and Boys’ State attendees. We are so proud of the fine young people you are and look forward to all the positive you will bring.
In their own words
JT Crawford
“Boys’ State was great! I learned a lot about our government, met people from all over the state and really found my confidence. Boys’ State allowed me the opportunity to grow and find my voice.”
Kate Doti
“Before I went to Girls’ State I was very nervous and I did not know what to expect when I arrived. I ended up having an amazing time and made so many friends. I would highly recommend the experience to anyone and I am so happy I did it because it brought me out of my comfort zone and now I have far more confidence in myself. My favorite part would probably be the made-up game we played called “Ride the Pony.” It was very fun and really good exercise! Also, everybody was so nurturing, and what really amazed me was how quickly we all bonded and were there to support each other and lift each other up when we needed it. I feel like I have made lifelong friends and I am so grateful to have had this experience.”
Nico Fermanian
“It was truly a once in a lifetime experience and really opened my eyes! It taught me responsibility, whether it was going to sleep early or making my bed before I left my dorm knowing that if it wasn’t done I could walk in to my bed being flipped! I was able to get to meet fellow Boys’ State attendees which I will be in contact with the rest of my life! We also got the chance to split into two different parties and try and pass bills which we think could help change or make an impact on the real world. We then came together as one and selected a bill which the boys selected for Boys’ Nation will then go on and try and pass.”
Sophia Huang
“Attending Girls’ State was an incredibly rewarding experience. While I expected to learn about government and leadership, I didn’t anticipate how much personal growth I would gain along the way. My biggest takeaway was the importance of collaboration and communication; even when people had very different perspectives, we were still able to work together toward shared goals. I also pushed myself out of my comfort zone, especially with public speaking, and came away feeling more confident in myself and my ability to lead. Beyond that, I walked away with so many amazing friendships that made the week even more special. Overall, Girls’ State was both eye-opening and transformative, giving me a deeper understanding of government and of myself.”
Leah Meberg
“Girls’ State was an amazing experience. I learned so much about our country and its government, and got to experience voting, legislative sessions, party caucuses, debates, rallies, county court, and more. Girls’ State helped me get out of my comfort zone; going into the school year, I hope the experience will make me more confident (and help me in my government class!). The best part, though, was meeting so many intelligent, qualified, and kind girls; it definitely made me hopeful for the future.
“I’m really grateful to have attended Girls State 2025, and grateful to the post that sponsored us and the teachers that nominated us. I definitely encourage any girls to go if they have the chance!”
