Contributed LEARNING LEADERSHIP – With support from Sons of American Legion Squadron 275, eight Steubenville High School students have been learning about the operations of state and local government at Buckeye Boys State this week at Miami University. Seen, from left to right are, front: Jaggar Rawson, Thad Loot, Anthony Biasi and Rich Ching, a Steubenville High School graduate now serving Buckeye Boys State; and back: Easton Sheeler, Andrew Matzorkis, Michael Lancia, Niko Davis and Noah Kokiko.

STEUBENVILLE — Eight Steubenville High School juniors spent the week learning about leadership, government and public service while representing their school at American Legion Buckeye Boys State at Miami University.

Attending through the support of Sons of the American Legion Squadron 725, the eight are Anthony Biasi, Niko Davis, Noah Kokiko, Michael Lancia, Thad Loot, Andrew Matzorkis, Jaggar Rawson and Easton Sheeler.

During the week, the students were divided into two fictional political parties and sought election to a mock state legislature that drafted and considered bills or served in appointed positions at the state, county and municipal levels.

The eight were nominated for the week-long program by Aaron Newman, the school’s principal, who noted they also were interviewed by leaders of the Sons of the American Legion, a statewide group with more than 70 active members, all former Buckeye Boys State participants or current counselors for the program.

Newman said he is thankful to the group and very proud to have eight excellent representatives participate.

Organizers of Buckeye Boys State estimate about 1,200 students from more than 600 schools attend the annual event.

Established in 1936, the Ohio program is the third-oldest American Legion Boys State program in the nation. Since Boys State programs were launched in 1935, more than 90,000 youth have participated, according to national American Legion officials.

The eight were asked what interested them in attending Buckeye Boys State in an interview before their departure.

Rawson said, “Not many people get to go from each school. I wanted to represent the school and learn leadership skills and about government.”

Davis said it will expose him to a variety of careers in the government sector while also looking good on his resume.

“It’s an opportunity to meet new people and learn new things,” said Kokiko, who noted it will be his first visit to a college campus.

Loot said, “I have visited but not stayed on other college campuses, so living at Miami University for the week will be a new and interesting experience.”

Sheeler said not only will they be attending with hundreds of other students from throughout the state, the eight also will have an opportunity to meet representatives of various colleges and universities at a college fair held during the week.

Newman noted each of the eight will be assigned to a room with a student from another school.

“They will be stepping out of their comfort zone. This is a really novel experience, and they’re embracing it, and I’m so proud of them for that,” he said.

There also are Girls State programs, supported by American Legion posts and affiliates, and Newman hopes to recruit female Steubenville High School students for Ohio’s next year.

Past participants of Buckeye Boys State have included astronaut Neil Armstrong, late Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas Moyer and many who went on to serve in the state legislature or Congress.

The eight representatives of Steubenville High School were asked if they have any political aspirations.

Most said they aren’t aimed in that direction at this time, though a few added they wouldn’t rule it out.

Matzorkis, who plans to pursue a career in law, said, “More often than not, great attorneys are the ones who can clearly articulate, argue and express their ideas and arguments. It is my belief that Boys State will help me do this exactly.”

Kokiko said while his sights currently are set on electrical engineering, he looks forward to learning more about the various government positions covered by the program.

Lancia said he might be interested in serving in a non-elected position, noting such roles in the Boys State experience have included covering the legislature’s activities as a news reporter or heading a public works department.

Biasi, who is interested in a career in business, noted budgetary concerns will loom large in the Boys State legislature’s decision-making.

Loot also has interest in a career in business, with a focus on finance, and sees his experience at Boys State as influential in his future career choices.

The students noted their current interests and skills may play a role in their Boys State experience.

Rawson said he would like to be an electrician but has friends in law enforcement and would like to learn more about that field.

Sheeler said he’s interested in information technology and his knowledge in that area may be helpful.

Each of the eight were very optimistic about the experience.

Matzorkis said, “The main appealing factor for Boys State is that the event is extremely prestigious. On my resume it will stand out, and I’m sure I will be able to tell stories about it for a lifetime.”

Rich Ching — a 2003 Steubenville High School graduate, past Boys State participant and current staff member — said, “The motto of our program is ‘A Week to Shape a Lifetime,’ and I couldn’t agree more. As an attendee, this was my first experience to really be out in the world on my own as a 17-year-old, albeit in a very controlled environment. And in that environment, I realized that I could get away from the peer pressures and expectations of the people you grew up with and I felt like I could truly be myself.”

“I like to think that I started to find my core identity because of Boys State. This place taught me that I do have a voice and I can use it. And more importantly, that it was possible for me to use it without being bullied or ridiculed if it were in contrast with someone else. This program gave so much to me and transformed me into the person and professional that I am today,” said Ching.

Shaun Loftin, commander of Sons of the American Legion Squadron 725, said the group raised more than $10,000 to send 50 young men and women to Buckeye Boys State and Buckeye Girls State this year.

The state group also partnered with local American Legion posts to sponsor 16 participants.

Loftin welcomes more such partnerships in the future while also encouraging more high school juniors to apply for participation next year.

Noting Sons of the American Legion members have volunteered thousands of hours to the program, he said, “Attending each year requires significant time, travel, and time off, but I truly love the Buckeye Boys State program’s mission and its impact on developing modern leaders.”

“Branded as ‘The Week to Shape a Lifetime,’ its timeless lessons in character, citizenship and leadership are more important now than ever. These lessons have kept the program continuously relevant as it enters its 90th year,” said Loftin.