Submitted Photo From left is Lakeview Shock Incarceration Correctional Facility Superintendent Brian D. Kubik, Gabe Persch, 2018 Boys State graduate, and Henry Link, Chautauqua County American Legion Boys State chair.

BROCTON — The annual Community Advisory Board Meeting of the Lakeview Shock Incarceration Correctional Facility recently updated Brocton and Portland residents on the current population at the facility and the changes that have been implemented at Lakeview in 2018.

The recipient of last year’s Lakeview Shock Facility American Legion Boys State sponsorship, Fredonia High School senior Gabe Persch and 2018 Boys State graduate, was introduced. Persch told of his experiences at Boys State and thanked the staff for the opportunity they gave him. He explained how much he enjoyed and benefited from the Boys State program. He was then given a tour of the facility.

Persch is a well rounded student and plans a career in criminal justice. He has received scholarship offers from both Gannon University in Erie, Pa., and Niagara University in Niagara Falls. He said having Boys State on his application is what made him stand out over other college applicants.

The Executive Office staff at Lakeview S. I. C. F., Brocton, NY again this year donated $400 to the Chautauqua County American Legion Boys State Program. This is the second year in a row the staff decided instead of giving Christmas gifts to that each other, they would give a gift that can change the life of a young man.

The donation will cover the full cost of sending one high school junior from Chautauqua County to the American Legion Boys State held at the State University of New York at Morrisville from June 26 to July 2.

This leadership program is designed to have Boys State citizens participate in forming a democratic type of government similar to the structure of New York State. This mythical 51st state is divided into 10 counties with three cities in each county, and is based on a two party system, the Nationalist and Federalist. All citizens are urged to run for office using political campaigns, debating, and crafting bills. American Legion Posts across the county are currently searching for and interviewing candidates to attend this year’s program.

Last year 30 young men from Chautauqua County were afforded the opportunity to attend Boys State.