Boys State Offers 12 Brick Teens a Glimpse into Political Process

When 12 Brick Township Juniors – six from Brick Township High School and six from Brick Memorial High School – showed up at Rider University on June 19 for American Legion New Jersey Boys State along with more than 800 other teens, they didn’t know what to expect.

Derek Merz of BTHS said what they got was an intensive week immersed in the political process and a deeper understanding of their civic duty.

“I never really understood our political system,” said Merz. “They threw you into doing things on your own and taught you responsibility. I now have a better view of the real world, not just the school experience.”

Boys State began in 1935 to stress the importance and value of this country’s democratic form of government and maintain an effort to preserve it. New Jersey convened its first Boys State in 1945. Held at Rider University since 1969, more than 850 student delegates attend each year. More than 50,000 delegates have participated in New Jersey Boys State since its inception.

During the week, the teens were placed into “cities” where they elected their government and appointed various positions that would be found in municipal governments. Pairs of cities were joined to form counties. The students chose their forms of government and were tasked with solving real-world issues experienced in New Jersey, such as gypsy moth caterpillar infestations or trash disposal.

From there, state legislators, two U.S. Senators and a Governor were elected. The senators who were chosen will represent New Jersey at Boys Nation in Washington D.C.

Merz, who hopes to become a mechanical engineer, said one of the highlights of the week for him was a visit by Governor Chris Christie, who is a former Boys State delegate and whose own son, Andrew, was attending Boys State that week.

“It was split down the middle – some loved him and some couldn’t stand him,” said Merz, who was elected his county’s Sheriff. “When a kid asked why he had a crusade against teachers I was surprised he didn’t get upset. He calmly explained his position.”

While there were many speeches during the week, the students also participated in career seminars, the Boys State band and sporting events. Andrew Stranieri from BMHS played sports for his city. He said he had a great overall experience.

“I ran for a few offices and ended up being a policeman of my city,” said Stranieri, who plans to study physical therapy. “It changed my perspective on some things. I’m more interested in politics than before.”

Both Stranieri and Merz were impressed with the young men they met at Boys State.

“Everybody seemed to be smarter, more talented,” said Merz. “They seemed to be the most outgoing, nicest kids you’ve ever met.”

James Erskine, Brick Township American Legion Post 348 Commander, said the post has been sponsoring 12 or more kids each year. They raise money throughout the year for their Charity Fund, which pays the $220 per student for Boys State.

“We’ve left it up to the high schools to choose and we’ve always sent the top part of the classes,” said Erskine. “We’ve been proud. We’ve gotten a lot of thank-you’s from both the kids and their parents for giving them the opportunity to participate in the program.”

On the final day of Boys State, another New Jersey Boys State alumnus, Senator Robert Menendez, spoke to the gathering. Menendez was a judge while at Boys State and was so inspired by his experience that he ran for Board of Education in Union City at age 19 and won, eventually being elected to a seat in the U.S. Senate in 2006.

“It is possible one of you could be New Jersey Governor, a Congressman or Senator – even a future President who could change the world,” said Menendez. “The leadership skills you’ve learned this week will serve you well in your life and help you get to where you want to be.”

In addition to Merz and Stranieri, Brick Township Boys State attendees included: Gaston Alvaro, Brant Cumella, Christopher Delia, Kevin Francese, Ryan Gedrich, Justin Hockaday, Paul Minniti, Matthew Mislan, Zachary Suter, Robert Syvarth and Ryan Schocket.