News Archive
ALJBS wraps up 62nd Session
Friday highlighted by Graduation Speaker, US Attorney Christopher J. Christie
In the last action-packed day of the 62nd session, a political election and a foot race were won, Troopers repelled from helicopters, contacts and speeches were made and awards were presented. The day began before 6am for some statesman and most delegates left with their parents from Rider University by 5pm.
After an early breakfast, the four Boys Nation Senator candidates gave their speeches at a general assembly before being asked questions by the panel of press and others from the floor. Soon after, delegates were back in their city to finish packing before Family Day begun.
Family Day is an annual picnic sponsored by the NJ Boys State Foundation that began in 2003 in which delegates, their family and their city counselors gather together around the Rider campus mall to enjoy the food and entertainment. All are within feet of the Jersey Boys State Band who entertain during celebration as well as the final athletic event of the week, the ALJBS Championship 5k run. The celebration this year included a demonstration by the NJ State Police TEAMS unit (special forces) who repelled from a helicopter about 100 feet over the west end of the mall, followed by a demonstration by the K-9 unit. (See below for a video of the demonstration) As well, there was a flag retreat ceremony prior to the main event of the day, graduation in the Alumni Gym.
Prior to the ceremony, Nimitz County (Monroe and Jackson cities) received the Harold Eaton award for Best County, led by Senior City Counselors Joe Demyon and Andy Robertson, and Mayors Bradley Ericson of Fair Lawn (Bergen County), Post #171 and Shane Harris of Barrington (Camden), Post #84. The Howell award for Best City went to Polk City, led by Mayor Paul Napoli of Washington Twp. (Bergen), Post #153. These cities were honored with special guidons prior to graduation and commended for their hard work by Director David Bagatelle as the graduation ceremonies opened. Speeches followed from the American Legion NJ Department Commander Frank Calandriello and keynote speaker, US Attorney and 1979 Boys Nation Senator Christopher J. Christie. Afterward, David Pollack of Delran (Burlington), Post #146 was named the nominee for NJ for the Samsung Scholarship and Jim Tumolo of Turnersville (Gloucester), Post #521 was awarded the Todd Eaton award for participation throughout the week. Afterward, the results from the morning election for Boys Nation Senator was announced. Joseph Okai of Collingswood (Camden), Post #17 and Kevin Tobia of Chatham (Morris), Post #43 were announced as winners and will be headed to Washington D.C. as representatives of NJ July 20-28, 2007. Lincoln LaGrotteria of River Edge (Bergen), Post #226 and Taylor Mosera of Wyckoff (Bergen), Post #369 were named alternates.
For those interested in returning to ALJBS as a member of the staff and were unable to complete the application during the week, click here to apply.
After an early breakfast, the four Boys Nation Senator candidates gave their speeches at a general assembly before being asked questions by the panel of press and others from the floor. Soon after, delegates were back in their city to finish packing before Family Day begun.
Family Day is an annual picnic sponsored by the NJ Boys State Foundation that began in 2003 in which delegates, their family and their city counselors gather together around the Rider campus mall to enjoy the food and entertainment. All are within feet of the Jersey Boys State Band who entertain during celebration as well as the final athletic event of the week, the ALJBS Championship 5k run. The celebration this year included a demonstration by the NJ State Police TEAMS unit (special forces) who repelled from a helicopter about 100 feet over the west end of the mall, followed by a demonstration by the K-9 unit. (See below for a video of the demonstration) As well, there was a flag retreat ceremony prior to the main event of the day, graduation in the Alumni Gym.
Prior to the ceremony, Nimitz County (Monroe and Jackson cities) received the Harold Eaton award for Best County, led by Senior City Counselors Joe Demyon and Andy Robertson, and Mayors Bradley Ericson of Fair Lawn (Bergen County), Post #171 and Shane Harris of Barrington (Camden), Post #84. The Howell award for Best City went to Polk City, led by Mayor Paul Napoli of Washington Twp. (Bergen), Post #153. These cities were honored with special guidons prior to graduation and commended for their hard work by Director David Bagatelle as the graduation ceremonies opened. Speeches followed from the American Legion NJ Department Commander Frank Calandriello and keynote speaker, US Attorney and 1979 Boys Nation Senator Christopher J. Christie. Afterward, David Pollack of Delran (Burlington), Post #146 was named the nominee for NJ for the Samsung Scholarship and Jim Tumolo of Turnersville (Gloucester), Post #521 was awarded the Todd Eaton award for participation throughout the week. Afterward, the results from the morning election for Boys Nation Senator was announced. Joseph Okai of Collingswood (Camden), Post #17 and Kevin Tobia of Chatham (Morris), Post #43 were announced as winners and will be headed to Washington D.C. as representatives of NJ July 20-28, 2007. Lincoln LaGrotteria of River Edge (Bergen), Post #226 and Taylor Mosera of Wyckoff (Bergen), Post #369 were named alternates.
For those interested in returning to ALJBS as a member of the staff and were unable to complete the application during the week, click here to apply.
