Calvin Brown, a rising senior at Bristol Eastern High School,
was one of two youths chosen to represent Connecticut at the American Legion
Boys' Nation program in Washington, DC in July 2010. Brown was chosen at the
conclusion of the 69th annual American Legion Boys' State program held at
Eastern Connecticut State University during the past week. He was sponsored
at Boys State by Bristol American Legion Seicheprey Post 2.
The American Legion Boys State program brings high school juniors from across
the state together for a week of learning about government and politics through
hands on participation. The boys create a mock government at both the municipal
and state level, debate and pass legislation, and elect officials following
Connecticut state political procedures.
Among the guest speakers during the week were Atty. General Richard Blumenthal,
Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz and State Comptroller Nancy Wyman.
Brown was selected by his party as its nominee for governor and won election by
an overwhelming margin. He is the first Boys State Governor from Bristol in more
than 15 years. He was also chosen by the Boys State delegates as the Outstanding
Boy of the 2010 Boys' State program. Approximately 200 youths participated in
the program.
As a Boys' Nation Senator, Brown will have the opportunity to meet with
representatives from 48 other Boys State programs for a week in Washington where
they will debate national legislation as well as tour historical and memorial
sites in the capital. Included in the program is a visit to the White House as
well as the capitol building where they are expected to meet with members of the
state Congressional delegation.
Among the many prominent alumni of Boys' Nation is former president Bill Clinton
who had the opportunity to meet president John F. Kennedy while a Boys Nation
Senator in 1963.
Brown enjoyed an outstanding week at Eastern Connecticut according to
Connecticut Boys State Director Dave Greenleaf. "He was an active participant
and made an immediate impact on the program," said Greenleaf. " He demonstrated
a solid understanding of the political process and earned the respect of his
peers with his knowledge and speaking ability. We are confident he will
represent Connecticut well in Washington."
Also chosen as a senator from Connecticut was
Robert Wendel of Ridgefield High School.
Eight Bristol students participated in the program. In addition to Brown,
Bristol Eastern was represented by Daniel Kromidas
and Steven DelCegno. Bristol
Central was represented by Mitchell Dekow, Connor
McCarthy, Sean McCarthy
and John
Simpson. Andrew Dieckhaus
was the St. Paul representative. The boys were sponsored by
Bristol
American Legion Seicheprey Post 2.
Submitted by: Dave
Greenleaf
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