Two Hills Students Each Attended Two 'Exclusive' Summer Programs
By Eleanor Mathews
Two members of Watchung Hills Regional High School’s Class of 2007 were doubly honored, doubly challenged, doubly privileged during the recently concluded summer break. Ross Innocenti and Caitlin Rowe, Watchung residents, each were selected to attend two distinguished summer programs: Boys/Girls State and Governor’s School. It was the first time in the school’s history that two students had each been invited to both of the challenging summer programs that provide hands-on course work not ordinarily offered in the high school curriculum.
The concept for Boys and Girls State, a civics-focused summer event that takes place in every state, was initiated by the American Legion over 60 years ago. The week’s program teaches participants the rights, duties and responsibilities of American citizenship in the realistic setting of a mythical 51st state where the delegates put into practice what they have learned in their social studies and history classes over the years. They are assigned to a political party and organize into city, county and state governments, run for office, campaign, make and debate legislation, and so on. A total of 14 Hills students attended the weeklong events which took place during the last week of June.
While Boys and Girls State are held across the nation, Governor’s School is more unique. Based on a similar concept in North Carolina, it was initiated by then Governor Tom Kean (“the Education Governor”) as a month-long summer program to enrich the state’s most promising academically-talented juniors. Candidates are selected by their respective schools and undergo a highly competitive screening for entry to the (now) six schools which specialize in: science and math, international studies, the environment, the arts, public issues and engineering.
Boys State
Innocenti was one of some 600 young men who convened at Rider University, Lawrenceville and one of eight from Watchung Hills. He called Boys State a hands-on experience. “You learn-by-doing just how government works out on its many levels-Senate, local boards, even the state police. I was elected a board official.” There may be some opportunities for him to practice what he learned now that he has finished all requirements for Eagle Scout rank in his Boy Scout troop.
Enrollment for the 2007 Boys (and Girls) State events will take place in the near future. Innocenti encourages this year’s juniors to apply for a spot in this summer event. “It’s a full day every day—not a place to slack off—but you will be rewarded,” and so, apparently, will the community. (Many legislators, even presidents, once attended Boys State.)
Rowe’s experience at Girls State, held the last week of June at Georgian Court University, Lakewood, paralleled Innocenti’s. Girls, too, heard inspiring speakers from many segments of government, ran for office, learned speaking and leadership techniques. One of six girls from Watchung Hills, she also encouraged junior girls to apply when the application notice is posted.
Governor’s School
Innocenti was among 96 youth statewide who took part in the Governor’s School on the Environment, held during the month of July at the Richard Stockton University in Pomona. The school’s location in the southernmost part of the state makes it ideal for studying and exploring such matters as the potential and the problems of New Jersey’s aquifers, ocean and shorelines, wildlife, the effects of population on natural areas. “An extremely worthwhile and unique program,” said Innocenti, whose post-high school interests include the United States Coast Guard Academy. “But most amazing: the people we met—both students and leaders. I’d urge interested juniors to consider applying when the notice is posted.”
Rowe’s studies in the Governor’s School of International Studies, scheduled at Ramapo College in Mahwah from July 2-22, were, unfortunately cut short because of an outbreak of whooping cough. Nevertheless, during their stay, students had pursued four classes a day in such areas as public health, media, economics, environmental issues, and even, tango. They visited the Ethiopian mission at the United Nations, heard speakers on such topics as the value of volunteer work and the perils of being a photographer in war-stricken Iran. An originally-planned field trip to Canada was cancelled, as was its substitute (a trip to Washington, D.C.), due to funding problems.
Governor’s School faced many problems in 2006
Funding, in fact, dogged the 2006 Governor’s School. Although this summer residential program has always received financial support from private corporations and foundations, some public funding was also needed. A state budget shortfall caused Governor Corzine’s decision to cancel the Governor’s School just as applications were being submitted. Nevertheless, thanks to a hasty private campaign that raised over $2million from foundations, corporations and individuals, the six college-based schools did open as planned this year. A new Board of Overseers within the jurisdiction of the Commission on Higher Education has been set up, with the likelihood that there will be changes in such aspects as recruiting, fund-raising, enrollment policies, and perhaps, even, policies regarding tuition.
New Jersey’s almost-cancelled Governor’s School program has surely been too valuable, too unique to fall by the wayside. Governor Corzine, in reviewing the renewed plans for the project, stated, on Sept. 22: “I’m pleased we can continue this extraordinary program and extend such rewarding opportunities to New Jersey’s students.” (Star Ledger of September 23.)
As recruitment time for the 2007 summer event approaches, both of Watchung Hills’ 2006 representatives encourage present juniors to apply. Rowe said, “It’s not about academics, but about intense interests. If you have a passion—for science, for public issues, whatever—pursue it. Don’t sell yourself short.”
Two Summer Experiences Enriched Two Hills Students
( Photo by Eleanor Mathews)
Ross Innocenti and Caitlin Rowe climaxed the junior year at Watchung Hills Regional High School by attending two by-invitation-only summer programs. Each attended the annual Boys/Girls State and each attended one of New Jersey’s six Governor’s Schools. As recruiting for the 2007 events looms, both students urge this year’s juniors to apply for what they found to be extraordinary experiences.