Through an ongoing partnership with Hampton Bays American Legion Hand-Aldrich Post 924, Hampton Bays High School seniors Dylan Foley, Rieve Nydegger and Michael Poremba had the opportunity to attend the weeklong American Legion Boys State citizenship and leadership training program at Morrisville State College in New York over the summer.

The opportunity for the students was spearheaded by Lee Allen, a veteran and Hampton Bays resident who recently passed away. Allen recommended the students for placement in the prestigious program following an interview process.

During the one-week youth leadership training, attended by over 700 students across the state, Foley, Nydegger and Poremba participated in a mock government and honed a multitude of skills, including communication and teamwork. Under the guidance of the U.S. Marines, they also took part in physical fitness training.

“We are so grateful to our local partners in the Legion,” said Superintendent Lars Clemensen. “Our partnership has created numerous opportunities for our students to learn and engage in living classroom experiences that teach real-life, transferrable values that will benefit our kids through their lives.”

Over the years, the American Legion has been a partner of the Hampton Bays School District in the monthly Veteran Flag Ceremonies, participation in the Memorial Day Ceremony and through its generous scholarship program.

Date Added: 10/10/2023