-
August 27, 2013
Senior Connor Gail ’14 represented Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School at this year’s Buckeye Boys State program held in June. The eight-day mock government camp, held annually at Bowling Green State University, hosts 1,200 young men from the state of Ohio and teaches them about city, county and state government. It also provides participants an opportunity to experience dorm and college-life.
VASJ’s Student Council moderator and math teacher Gary Minadeo ’74 approached Gail about the opportunity. “Connor is going to be an Eagle Scout, is spiritually grounded, a scholar athlete and a patriot,” says Minadeo, who for the last 14 years has chaired the selection committee at the Brewer-Tarasco American Legion Post 7 in Wickliffe. “I knew he would represent VASJ well.”
Gail submitted his application and interviewed with the Legionnaires at Euclid American Legion Post 343 and was selected to attend. For Gail, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that he will never forget.
Connor Gail '14 poses with friends made at Buckeye Boys State
During the Buckeye Boys State Program, participants are divided into different cities and counties in which they are educated about Ohio’s election process including caucus, petition/candidacy, campaigning, party convention, debate and voting.
“I think we had 40 kids in my city, Favreau, named after Judge Dan Favreau,” Gail says.
As a student leader at VASJ – serving as Student Council Secretary and as a member of the National Honor Society, Ambassadors and Peer Ministry – it is no surprise that Gail wanted to hold a leadership role at Buckeye Boys State, too. He ran for mayor of his city and won.
“It seemed powerful and I wanted to be a leader,” Gail says. “I learned a lot more about the entire election system – what it takes to run, what it takes to get elected and how the parties and elections work,” he says. “And I signed a lot of papers.”
Even before attending Buckeye Boys State, Gail was no stranger to government life. “My mom is (Euclid) City Council President so I’ve always been around it,” he says. “But I definitely learned a lot more about it.”
Learning about leadership and government wasn’t the only reason Minadeo thought it would be beneficial for Gail to attend. “Connor is seeking appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy, a highly competitive desire, so it was good for him to get together with boys who will be his competition,” Minadeo says.
Although Gail was the only boy representing VASJ at this year’s event, he would like to see that change in the future. “I want to get a fund going so we can send a few guys from our school each year to do this,” Gail says. “I think any kid should have the opportunity to go there.”
From the moment he heard about it, Gail knew Buckeye Boys State was something he wanted to do. He’s glad he followed through.
“I had a great time and learned so much,” Gail says. “It’s a great way to meet people from all over the state and create new friendships that will last forever. It was completely worthwhile.”