Four students chosen for leadership program

Niagara-Wheatfield juniors Edwin Patterson and Anthony Oliveri have been selected to attend this year's Boys State Program sponsored by the American Legion Niagara Wheatfield Post 1451.

Kristen Cavalleri and Kelsey Nielsen were chosen to participate in the Girls State Program sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary Wheatfield Post 1451.

These weeklong programs held each summer are leadership conferences that promote civic involvement, patriotism, and an understanding of the government process. Boys and girls across New York are chosen to participate in the prestigious program. Students are selected based on character, leadership potential, academic ability and responsibility.

Edwin Patterson is a captain of the track team and is also a member of the N-W varsity swimming team and an active member of the Native American Club. Additionally, he interns for the Tuscarora Environmental Program. After high school, he plans to join the Marines for infantry. Through the Boys State Program, Patterson hopes to further his leadership skills and gain greater responsibilities.

Anthony Oliveri is a member of the N-W varsity baseball, basketball, and football teams. He is also an active participant in LYNC (Leadership for the Youth of Niagara County). He is planning to attend a four-year college majoring in biochemistry. Oliveri hopes to improve his leadership skills and learn more about our government and politics through his Boys State experience.

Kristen Cavalleri is an enthusiastic member of the theater club, PAVAS, where she participates in school musicals. She is also the historian of National Honor Society and plays softball for the town of Wheatfield. In addition, Cavalleri works part time at Wegmans. After high school, she would like to major in communications or pre-law at a local college. Cavalleri said she is excited for this great leadership opportunity.

Kelsey Nielsen, a member of the N-W soccer and basketball teams, and was an actor in the high school musical, "Cats." Further, Nielsen is a member of the National Honor Society and Business Honor Society and also teaches vacation Bible school. Nielsen  aspires to be a high school English and special education teacher. She too, hopes to increase her skills in leadership.

Students and staff at Niagara Wheatfield High School credit the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary for continuing to sponsor and support students, and are especially grateful to George Kralick and Alice Renninger of the American Legion for their dedication and hard work to the Boys State and Girls State programs.