As a Veteran himself and the program coordinator for the Ontario Cares Veterans Coalition, Luke Moody can often be found connecting with other Veterans. So when he was asked to join New York State Boys State at SUNY Morrisville as a “city counselor,” he jumped at the chance.

Boys State is a civic education and leadership program for high school juniors, run by the American Legion. Each summer, students from across the state gather for a week-long program to build a mock state government from the ground up,  holding elections, running campaigns, and developing legislation from the city level on up.

Running in New York State since 1935, this year’s program at SUNY Morrisville brought together more than 550 boys, each nominated by their school and interviewed by their local American Legion Post, with their trip paid for and sponsored by the Legion.

“This was an amazing opportunity to see these young men step out of their comfort zone and engage in the week-long citizen program,” Moody said. “These young men learned in a hands-on environment how to hold elections, run campaigns, develop legislation, and build platforms. It was awesome to be part of a program that has been mentoring young leaders.”

Beyond the chance to mentor the next generation, the week also gave Moody an opportunity to connect with fellow Legionnaires. “It was a great way to network amongst Legionnaires and also the next generation of leaders,” he said. “I was able to share with the fellow veterans the success of the Veterans Coalition of the Finger Lakes and the great work that Ontario Cares is doing.”