Pope John student Michael Gaus becomes 61st Boys State Governor

Sparta - Michael Gaus, a student at Pope John XXIII Regional High School and the 61st Governor of Boys State, gave a Power Point presentation about his experience at the July 19 meeting of Sussex County American Legion at Post 132 in Franklin. Gaus had been sponsored at Boys State by American Legion Thomas Talmadge Post 491 in Sparta. He was selected by Bill Sisco, county adjutant and Harry Hanson, county historian, conducted several interviews and selected Gaus to attend the event. Sparta Kiwanis agreed to be Gaus’ sponsor. Rider College in Lambertville hosted the 850 students attending Boys State, During their week’s stay, delegates were required to develop 16 cities in 8 counties and divide into Nationalist and Federalist groups. The groups were presented with a number of issues to discuss and resolve. Several elective positions were open: Commissioner of Public Health, County Executive, Election Board Officers, two Senators and Governor. Gaus decided that he was going to win the race. It was not an easy task. Each candidate had to prepare and present campaign speeches while obtaining at least 45 signatures. But he won the race, finding time during the campaign to donate blood at a blood drive. Gaus thanked the Legion members for the opportunity to take part in Boys State. “I was determined to come home governor,” he told the legionnaires. “I knew that it would take hard work and focus to accomplish it but I felt that I could meet the challenge.” Gaus was sworn in by Governor Jon Corzine using the Corzine’s personal Bible.