American Legion Post 50 of Pelham is proud to announce two winners of its State Scholarship programs. Post 50 selected Arya Gauba, a rising senior at Hackley School, as its delegate to the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State of New York this summer, and Finnegan Mullen, a rising senior at Pelham Memorial High School, as its delegate to the American Legion Boys State of New York this summer.
Girls State is one of the nation’s most respected and competitive civic leadership programs, sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary. Participants spend a week immersed in the structure and function of government, gaining hands-on experience in civic leadership while being selected based on academic achievement, leadership, character, and community involvement.
Gauba exemplifies these qualities through her academic, athletic, and service-oriented pursuits. At Hackley School, she maintains a rigorous course load that includes Advanced Placement classes in chemistry, literature, and language, as well as advanced coursework in creative writing. A dynamic leader and active community member, Gauba serves as a mentor and student leader in the Hudson Scholars program, supporting underserved students through academic enrichment.
Her commitment to service extends well beyond the classroom. Gauba is actively involved in multiple nonprofit initiatives, including fundraising and communications work for animal welfare organizations and advocacy groups supporting veterans and active service members. She has organized donation drives, coordinated community events, and contributed to local political campaigns.
An accomplished athlete, Gauba competes in varsity golf, ranking in the top three on the Met PGA Junior Tour, and participates in Track and Cross Country. She is also a certified PADI Rescue Diver, reflecting both discipline and leadership under pressure.
“The Girls State program is a cornerstone of our youth initiatives, and Arya is exactly the kind of young leader we are proud to support,” said Phil Kiamie Jr., Commander of Pelham Post 50. “Her commitment to service, leadership, and community impact makes her an outstanding representative.”
Boys State–like Girls State–is one of the nation’s most prestigious and selective civic education programs. It has been sponsored by The American Legion since 1935. Participants spend a week immersed in the hands-on operation of local, county, and state government, and are chosen based on outstanding leadership, character, scholarship and citizenship.
Mullen exemplifies those qualities in every respect. At Pelham Memorial, he is a member of the National Honor Society, the National English Honor Society, the National Social Studies Honor Society, and the World Language National Honor Society (French). He will serve as the incoming Vice President of Rho Kappa, the National Social Studies Honor Society.
A leader both inside and outside the classroom, Mullen serves as Junior Class Treasurer, President of the Young Democrats Club, and Vice President of the Stock Market Club. He competes on the Varsity Cross Country team and serves as Editorial Editor of the PelMel, Pelham Memorial’s student newspaper.
Mullen is an accomplished competitive debater in Congressional Debate. He placed 11th in the nation at the National Catholic Forensic League (NCFL) National Tournament in Washington, D.C., in May and qualified and will compete in the National Speech and Debate Association (NDSA) in Richmond, Virginia, this June.
Beyond school, Mullen has interned for New York State Senator Nathalia Fernandez, volunteers with The Fuller Center and plans to commission through ROTC while attending college, reflecting a deep commitment to public service.
“The Boys State program is a priority for Post 50, and Finn is exactly the kind of young man we had in mind,” said Phil Kiamie Jr, Commander of Pelham Post 50. “We are so pleased to provide this scholarship, and we know he will be an incredible representative for Pelham Post 50 and the entire Pelham community.”
Boys State of New York takes place this summer at SUNY Morrisville. Mullen will join hundreds of rising seniors from across New York State for a week of hands-on government instruction and leadership development.
Founded in 1923, Post 50 has long served Pelham’s veterans and community through scholarship programs, sponsorship of Boy Scout Troop 1, Memorial Day ceremonies and veteran support services. Under new Commander and Army retiree Phillip Kiamie Jr, the Post is reinvigorating its youth programs, with the Boys State and Girls State scholarships as a centerpiece of that commitment.
If you are interested in learning more about Pelham Post 50 please follow along on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PelhamPost50/ and reach out to Phil Kiamie at [email protected] if you are interested in joining or supporting the Post’s programs.
Editor’s note: The press releases comprising this announcement were provided by American Legion Post 50. The Pelham Examiner publishes press releases as a service to the community.
