The Two Mikes

Statesman Reporters Confess
By: Mike “Woodward” Bennett and Michael “Bernstein” Valvo




Have you ever wondered how a Nationalist reporter and a Federalist photographer could cover a story that was entirely within a Federalist Party Caucus? Well, here’s our story. (The Statesman editors, John and Brian, deny all knowledge of our actions)

While photographing the Federalist Party Caucus, “Woodward” observed a commotion in the Spafford County Section of the assembly hall, immediately suspecting foul play, photographed the outburst of up-raised hands. After being informed of the situation by our contact “Deepthroat”, went to get “Bernstein”, his faithful companion. Forgetting that he was a Nationalist, we had to think fast, as the convention was almost over. We took it upon ourselves to go undercover; this is where my partner in crime comes in.

Bernstein had absolutely no idea how we would accomplish this dangerous task. Together we both knew that this was extremely dangerous. We stepped up to the door, and we were both stopped. Nerves were running through Bernstein knowing that it would possible to be caught, and our mission would have been a failure. Luckily, we passed the inspection and went to find “Deepthroat.” The two of us found him and interviewed him and my faithful companion, Woodward, took a fantastic picture of myself interviewing our witness. The witness helped us find the new county chairman and the overthrown county chairman. Bernstein got quotes from both of the candidates without anyone ever finding out. After obtaining quotes and photographs we both flew out of the assembly hall as fast as we could. Mission accomplished.

In retribution for our dangerous acts while risking life and limb, our editors, John Nichols and Brian McDowell, who, by the way, still deny all knowledge of our acts, created a “Mike’s Hot Dog” award, awarded for dangerous reporting. Both Mike”Woodward” Bennett, and Michael “Bernstein” Valvo wish to send out our appreciation to both John and Brian for giving us the opportunity to excel, and all of their help. Neither of us is going to forget our memories from the press for a long time. Have a great trip home, and don’t ever forget what this experience has taught us.

Chris "Hunter S." Thompson

By Chris Thompson

Friday morning, Boys’ State heard the last speakers of the year. Admiral Edmund P. Giambastiani is NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Transformation as well as the number two most important military person in the United States. Giambastiani spoke about his experiences in the Naval Academy and Navy. He emphasized four qualities that he deems most important in life – confidence, competence, integrity, and stamina.
His speech ended with a kind remark to the crowd – “I wish you all the best, I wish you all success.”
Joe Griffo was the second speaker. He engaged the audience by asking about various places and sports teams from around New York State. Griffo encouraged Boys’ Staters to engage themselves in politics, and discussed several issues that effect citizens of New York, such as Native American casinos and military base closings.
Bob Neville spoke third. He talked about Suffolk county, as well as giving a shout-out to Dr. Nick Sallese. Neville gave Boys’ State delegates a hopeful message for the future, saying, “The future is yours.” He also commented on flag burning, specifically, how you shouldn’t do it.
Major Jodie Minks briefly spoke about the Air Force Academy. She taunted the crowd by first claiming that she would talk about sex, a claim that she would quickly renege. She pointed out that less than 5% of people who join the Air Force actually fly anything.
Dr. Nick Sallese ended the assembly with another of his inspiring poems about our nation’s flag. He also stated his hopes that the audience members “remember all of those wonderful things that happened this week at Boys State.”

Taps

By David Foster, 0083

Last night I left the press room to attend parade rehearsal, but my departure was a little bit too late and my county was already out on the track. I decided that it was best to return to the computer lab, and I volunteered to do extra work for Mr. Nichols. We had our Press Pizza Party and I returned to my dormitory at 10:30, just as band members played “Taps” outside the building.

After sleep, we awoke and dressed in our Physical Training clothes. Luckily, we learned fifteen minutes later that PT was canceled. The entire week we only did it twice, and I’m not complaining. We walked directly to breakfast and ate French toast, eggs, and orange juice. Then we proceeded to our daily assembly.

Today’s meeting felt particularly long, considering that it lasted more than two hours and featured five speakers. Admiral Edmund Giambiastani talked about his role in NATO and America’s war effort in Iraq. Former Rome mayor and Oneida County Executive Joe Griffo talked about the challenges of governing small communities in a state that suffers from economic decline. Dr. Nick Sallese spoke about patriotism and the flag, and finally, we were treated to a speech from last year’s Boys’ State Governor.

It was time for lunch, and our county marched to the dining hall to enjoy fish sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and jello cups. When we returned to our rooms after lunch, I took a shower and my daily nap. At 2:15, however, rest time was over: the residents of Brieden, as well as every other county, prepared for the annual Boys’ State Parade. We put on clean shirts and long pants, left our water bottles and program books behind, and reported to the track.

After getting into formation, our county led the state and marched counter-clockwise around the track in front of hundreds of parents and relatives. The marching went well, and we listened to speeches by Dr. Sallese and Governor Nembhrad. Then, we all proceeded back to the campus, received dismissal from our sergeants, and congratulated each other on an excellent parade. I shook my Marine’s hand and came to the realization that a small part of me might actually miss my experiences here.

My final dinner of lasagna was delicious, but the cheesecake served for dessert was better. When I completed this penultimate meal with other boys who would be staying one more night, I returned to the press room to make this last report. Our final assembly was tonight, at which they announced cleanest county, best marchers, Boys’ nation attendees, and recipients of the Samsung Scholarship. My county won Best Drill. We also watched the Boys’ State video, which we will get on CD.

The majority of Citizens left with their parents after the assembly. Some participants, myself included, shall stay one last night and leave by bus in the morning instead. Looking back on my week here in Morrisville, I have no regrets. Waking up at 5:30 AM every morning wasn’t fun, but I actually began to adapt. In addition, I made many new friends with whom I will correspond after I return to civilian life. Overall, this experience has been positive, and in conclusion I highly encourage any high school junior to attend this program, and more importantly, to join the Press or the Band. Anything that gets you out of some marching is a good thing.

Joel is so cool...

Today is the last day for practicing our marching for the parade Friday (tomorrow). Boys’ State officials will judge each county on accuracy of marching and marching movements in terms of uniformity throughout the county. The peak of perfection is essential for winning the best marching county in Boys’ State.
Today, I believe, will be the last day of PT in the morning. Apparently we get Friday PT training off, which is very strange because having a break is very unlike the traditional Boys’ State schedule. In any case I won’t be complaining if PT is canceled.
As the week is coming to an end, the Lieutenant Governor and Governor of Boys’ State have been selected. Governor Travis Nembhrad and Lieutenant Governor Quinton Johnson were sworn in today. Both of these offices are held by Federalist candidates. The Nationalist party, for this year, is on the losing side as far as high office elections.
This week has been truly an excellent experience. Being a part of this years Boys’ State has been an honor. I feel that I have been made a better person throughout this rigorous process. Although resentment was sometimes my primary feeling, I believe that is was worth it.