These students who participated in Assemblyman Tom Alfano's Leader's Internship Program were guests of the State Assembly when they traveled to Albany to hear Governor George Pataki give his annual State of the State Address. Local residents Ronny Cohen of West Hempstead, Frank Savinon of Franklin Square and T.J. Dangerfield of Elmont were the only students seated in the Assembly Chamber to hear the governor. Seated also were former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, Mayor Mike Bloomberg, former Governor Hugh Carey, and guests of the governor and speaker, the entire state senate and membership of the New York State Court of Appeals.

The students completed an internship with Assemblyman Alfano where they worked in his district office and learned about the legislative process and participated in coordinating community events and assisting constituents. At the end of the program, Alfano has taken students to Albany to shadow him for the day as he does his work in the assembly. This year, Alfano was able to bring the students to hear the annual address. "Ronny, Frank and T.J. got to meet and talk to the leaders who help shape our communities and attend the governor's annual message to the legislature," said Alfano adding "they were the only young people in the state to be a part of this historic moment.

Pataki's address, in part, thanked Giuliani for his leadership and saluted members of the uniformed services and volunteers for their work in the aftermath of Sept. 11. He also outlined his priorities for the future including education aid, economic development and rebuilding in the aftermath of the terrorist attack.

The trio got to meet NYC Mayor Mike Bloomberg at Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver's New Year's Welcome Reception before the State of the State. Bloomberg shook hands with them and asked where they attended school. "It was a great privilege meeting him and all these important people you read about and have such an influence on our community," said Frank Savinon.

The students also met Nassau's new County Executive Tom Suozzi. Suozzi spoke to them about being involved in the community as well, "I hope you guys stay involved and continue to do a good job," Suozzi said. Senator Dean Skelos and Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg welcomed them to the capitol and encouraged them to work hard and strive for their goals. "You can do great things for people and make a difference," Weisenberg said to the students. Senator Skelos, the deputy majority leader, previously brought the students on the senate floor and showed them around the historic chamber.

The experience of being involved and attending the address for the three fits into their career goals and schooling. "I'm going to be going to law school and meeting these people and talking to them makes me want to work harder and stay involved in politics," said Frank Savinon. Cohen is studying business and Dangerfield is working toward entering the teaching field.

"I was proud they came up to hear the address because they've done a great job for the community and are really the leaders of tomorrow," said Alfano. "It's one thing to see those in government who make decisions and read about them in the newspaper. It's quite different when you see them up close and talk to them. I hope the three of them realize that they can do what these people have done and that nothing can stop them from realizing their dreams," Alfano noted.

Cohen, Savinon and Dangerfield were seated on the assembly floor for the governor's address next to Alfano. They got to see the traditional welcoming of the governor coming to the chamber and the formal introductions of the statewide officials. Lt. Governor Donohue presided over the proceedings. The attorney general, state comptroller and senate majority leader sat at the speaker's podium directly behind the governor.

The students were impressed with the State of the State program and the formality of the proceedings. "The whole thing is just like when the president gave his address to Congress," said Ronny Cohen adding, "we were right there in front and a part of it. Cohen also remarked about the impact it had on him. "The trip was very influential; I met a lot of important people and it's something I will never forget."

During part of the address, the governor singled out some of the workers at Ground Zero who have worked to find victims and clean up the site. T.J. Dangerfield was glad that Pataki thanked the uniformed service people for all their work. "My mom and dad have worked there for both the fire and police departments and I'm glad that he recognized the people who gave so much."

After the address, Alfano escorted the students to a reception hosted by the Long Island Association. "I was honored that they were a part of the proceedings today and that they got to see their government and participate in it," Alfano said concluding, "I know they're going to stay involved and be active members of their community.