Tuesday Wrap-up

As the absence of content may reveal, Tuesday was a busy day, but one of the more memorable in Boys State history. The Joint Event with Massachusetts Girls State was, we think, a great success. Something to build on in future years. The hall was sweltering hot, but the program was well received, and Worcester State College was extraordinary in coordinating this unique event.

Larry DiCara began with a welcome to both programs and honored guests (a brief clip will be available shortly). Larry was followed by Mark Avis, Chairman of Massachusetts Boys State, and then by Bonnie Sladeski, Chairwoman of Massachusetts Girls State. Worcester State College then welcomed both programs to campus (and I apologize for not remembering his name and title). Andrew Gallagher, the President of the Massachusetts Boys State Foundation addressed the group. The Foundation sponsored 72 boys to Boys State, and 8 girls to girls state this year. Andy announced that the Foundation has begun its 2008-09 Capital Campaign - a quest to raise $500,000 for Boys State. RoAnn Costin, one of the guest speakers for the evening, followed Andy. To the surprise of all, Ms. Costin took Andy Gallagher's comments as a challenge to help raise money for Girls State. The program was capped by Lt. Governor Timothy Murray. I confess that I was trying decipher the directions for the walking route to the reception hall from Missy of the Worcester State College events staff, so I was not able to hear the Lt. Governor. If the ovation and applause following his comments were any indication, Lt. Governor Murray picked up about 700 new fans. We can't thank him enough for joining us for this special event.

We arrived back at Stonehill around 10:30 - about 20 minutes before the Celtics won their 17th NBA Championship. Kind of a fitting ending to the day, I'd say.