Eight Students from Old Rochester Regional High School Selected to Attend Boys State and Girls State Programs

Eight juniors from Old Rochester Regional High School were nominated to attend the Massachusetts Boys State and Girls State conventions from June 13-19. From left to right, James Russell, Grady Oliveira, Luke Pierre, Lucas Hadley, Olivia Thompson, Angela Palmer, Addison Roy, Sage Elia. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)

MATTAPOISETT — A group of students from Old Rochester Regional High School will soon get to experience what it’s like to navigate the democratic process on the local level, as they establish and operate their own simulated town, city or state government.

Eight members of the junior class at Old Rochester Regional High School were nominated and sponsored to attend the Massachusetts Boys State and Girls State conventions, sponsored by the American Legion’s Florence Eastman Post 280. The week-long conventions coincide from June 13-19, held at Stonehill College in Easton.

To be eligible for Boys State and Girls State, a student must be a junior who has achieved high academic success, while also showing evidence of leadership ability and an interest in the democratic process.

Boys State was brought to Massachusetts more than 80 years ago, continuing to operate and expand since then as an American Legion-sponsored civic leadership program that emphasizes the democratic system upheld by the United States. Throughout the convention-style event, high school delegates get to establish and operate their own cities, towns and state government in miniature. With the goal of helping participants to grow in understanding of how state and local governments work, the program also includes simulated elections, with students forming two political parties, holding conventions, nominating candidates, conducting campaigns, and voting in their leaders.

The following students were selected to attend Massachusetts Boys State:

• Lucas Hadley, sponsored by the Mattapoisett Lions Club
• Grady Oliveira, sponsored by the Boston Foundation and Lawrence DiCara, Esquire (in memory of George White)
• Luke Pierre, sponsored by the Boston Foundation and Lawrence DiCara, Esquire (in memory of Jack DeCosta)
• James Russell, sponsored by the Machacam Club

The following students were selected to attend Massachusetts Girls State: 

• Sage Elia, sponsored by the American Legion Florence Eastman Post 280
• Addison Roy, sponsored by the Mattapoisett Lions Club
• Olivia Thompson, sponsored by the Boston Foundation and Lawrence DiCara (in memory of Jerry DeCosta)
• Angela Palmer, sponsored by the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club

Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Principal Michael Devoll commended the eight students who were nominated and sponsored to attend Boys State and Girls State.

“Each of these students has demonstrated strong leadership skills, academic achievement and a genuine commitment to civic engagement,” said Principal Devoll. “Boys State and Girls State provide students with an outstanding opportunity to better understand how government works while developing confidence, communication skills and lifelong connections with peers from across the state. We are proud to see these students representing Old Rochester Regional High School as they develop a better understanding of the underpinnings to how government works.”

“These programs have a long history of inspiring young people to become active and informed participants in their communities,” said Superintendent Nelson. “Congratulations to our ORR juniors who earned this opportunity through their hard work and contributions to the community. We thank the American Legion for continuing to invest in the growth and civic education of our students.”

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