Scouts selected for leadership program

    Boy Scout Joe Cerulli attended the Boys State program at Morrisville State College last summer and was recognized for his participation during Law and Order night last week at the Malverne American Legion hall.
    Cerulli, 17, is a scout with Valley Stream Troop 109 and will soon become an Eagle Scout. The Holy Trinity High School senior and Malverne resident spent a week with the Boys State program in June 2010. He said he learned a lot about democracy and the judicial system. Guest speakers included New York State Police troopers, past participants of the Boys State program.
    Boys State is a program run by the American Legion for high school juniors. Participants learn about the rights, privileges, responsibilities and duties of being an American citizen. Activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, assemblies and recreational programs. Local American Legion posts select boys to attend.
    Cerulli said he had to get up at 6 a.m. every day and the first activity was running under the direction of U.S. Marines. But despite the early rise, Cerulli said would recommend the program to anyone else who wanted to attend and would tell them, “Learn a couple of things instead of just putting your head down.” A fellow Troop 109 member, Eagle Scout Ryan Potter, of Malverne, will be attending Boys State this summer.
    He said also made friends with other boys from around the state. “That’s probably one of the best experiences, meeting new people,” he said.
    For his participation, he received a plaque from American Legion Post 44 on Feb. 23.