Six young men from Gowanda Central High School have been selected for attendance at the 2004 Boys’ State to be held at SUNY Morrisville. In addition, three alternates have been selected to attend the conference in the event that any of the other young men are unable to participate.

     To be eligible for selection, each student must rank in the top 50 percent of his junior class, evidence good character, participate in school or community activities, and demonstrate good citizenship. These young men embody these characteristics.

     Charles Hurkes, the son of Carol Nephew of Gowanda, has participated in tennis, Close Up, the St. Bonaventure Invitational Programming Contest, and the Leadership Group. In his community, Charles has attended the USET Conference. After graduation from high school, he is considering attending Clarkson University to pursue a major in computer science.

     The son of Mr. and Mrs. William Kota of Gowanda, Ryan Kota’s school activities include baseball, cross country, band, the Gowanda Honor Society, and the wind ensemble. Community activities include volunteer service for his church and singing at the local nursing home. Ryan plans to apply at the University of Miami, SUNY Brockport, and other colleges to major in computer science.

     Daniel Miller, the son of Wendy Nagle of Gowanda, has participated in tennis, band, and the French Club. His community activities include the Boy Scouts of America and volunteer work including village sidewalk inspection, cleaning the JN Adam Cemetery, placing flags on veterans’ graves for Memorial Day, and assisting the elderly. Daniel’s post-high school plans include applying to Clarkson University or SUNY at Buffalo to major in either computer engineering or graphics design.

     Jordan Steves, the son of Mr. and Mrs. David Steves of Collins, has participated in baseball, wrestling, cross country, numerous school plays and musicals, band, chorus and the Gowanda Honor Society. He has served as secretary for the chorus and secretary for the Thespian Society. Jordan's community activities include GETC-TV and organizations within his church. Post-high school plans include applying to Syracuse University and SUNY Geneseo in order to pursue a major in the communications and broadcasting field.

     Brian Suraf has served as a member of the Gowanda Yearbook staff, the band, the wind ensemble, the baseball and bowling teams, the Gowanda Ski Club, and the Gowanda Honor Society. His community activities include those offered through his church. Post-high school plans are uncertain at this time, although Brian is considering a college major in either business or criminal justice. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Suraf of Perrysburg.

     The sixth delegate to Boys’ State is Jacob Swanson, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Swanson of Gowanda. Jacob has been active in tennis, the AFS, the Gowanda Honor Society, and numerous plays. He has also been very involved in musical activities of all types, including the band, chorus, jazz band, wind ensemble, marimba band, pep band, marching band, Choral Highlights, the All-County Chorus and the Area All-State Chorus, and high school musical productions. Community activities include the St. Joe’s Youth Group and church choir and performing with the Boston Town Band, the Orchard Park Symphony and the Erie County Wind Ensemble. Jacob’s post-high school plans include pursuing a music education major at SUNY Fredonia.

     The three alternates are Shawn Dehos, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Dehos of Gowanda; Shawn Hintz, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Hintz of South Dayton; and Ross John, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ross John of Gowanda.

     Shawn Dehos's school activities include tennis, cross country, band, the wind ensemble, and serving as the manager for the girls’ varsity tennis team. Community activities include the Arbor Day Society and participating in his church Youth Group. Post-high school plans include studying architecture or computer design at SUNY Buffalo or the Philadelphia Institute of Technology.

     Shawn Hintz participates in band, football, wrestling and track. He helps teach wrestling to community youth. Shawn’s future goals include pursuing a criminal justice or psychology major in college.

     Ross John’s school activities include participating in football, basketball, and lacrosse. He is also a member of NAYO. In the community, Ross participates in the NAYO and men’s basketball leagues. Following high school, Ross intends to major in business at Syracuse University, NYU, or SUNY Buffalo.

     These young men represent some of the finest students at Gowanda Central School and reflect positively upon their families, their school, and their communities. It is thanks to the personal and financial commitments made by the Gowanda American Legion Post #409 that these young men will have the opportunity to participate in this acclaimed program.