Three local legislators, State Sen. Phil Boyle, Assemblyman Andrew Garbarino and Suffolk County Legislator Tom Cilmi, paid a visit to Islip High School on Oct. 23 to honor the four seniors who had been chosen by Islip American Legion Rusy-Bohm Post 411 for this past summer’s Boys State leadership programs: James Cottral and Matthew Koebele, who had been selected as primary delegates, and Michael Maisano and Jack McDonald, who were alternates. Although the four were unable to attend the program due to pandemic restrictions, their accomplishment was recognized by the legislators, American Legion officers and the school’s administration.
“We proudly welcome the prospect of having young men of this caliber representing us,” said American Legion Vice Commander James Duffy. “We commend Islip’s teaching staff for the parts the play in shaping citizens who will be great assets to the future of our nation.”
“It's very impressive to be chosen for this,” Boyle told the seniors. “You are going to be part of the generation – hopefully this is the only year – that can say, I earned Boys State in the pandemic. Keep up the good work and good luck in college to each of you. I know you’re going to make a difference in our community.”
“Unfortunately, you gentlemen couldn’t go to Boys State due to COVID-19, but the honor is not in going to Boys State, it’s the honor of being chosen,” Garbarino said. “You’ve already done the work in your community to have that award. You’ve already served your community well. We hope you stay a part of this community after you go to college and come back home because we need guys like you here making Long Island and Islip a better place to live.”
“We are all so proud of you,” Cilmi said. “As those of us who are in public office see every day, we are reminded how important character is, so we are looking to you as our future leaders. You’re leading today and we are hoping that translates into leadership in the future. Thank you for stepping up and being part of the solution here and being outstanding members of this school district.”