Panosian Passes Genocide Resolution at Boys Nation

WASHINGTON—In the spring, Tro Panosian, a 17-year-old high school student at Notre Dame Preparatory in Scottsdale, Az., was nominated as one of two students from his school to attend the American Legion Boys State program in Flagstaff, Az. in June 2010. Each state (except Hawaii) holds a Boys State program, enrolling the top two leaders from every school in the state. After a week full of politics, partaking in a mock state-government, and an extensive interview process, Panosian was selected as one of two students, from 350 young men from Arizona, to attend the annual American Legion Boys Nation Program, held in Washington, D.C. Representing his high school and Arizona as a “senator,” Panosian traveled to Washington, as part of 98 of the nation’s best.

From July 23-31, these young American leaders received an education on the structure and function of federal government through hands-on experience. Panosian was proud to be part of the program, which has graduated leaders such as Bill Clinton, Michael Jordan, and Tom Brokhaw.

During the course of the week, the youth leaders had the opportunity to visit the Lincoln, Iwo Jima, Vietnam War, Korean War, and World War II memorials. The group also traveled to Arlington Cemetery and partook in the wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The Boys Nation senators also visited Capitol Hill where Panosian met with Arizona Senators John McCain (R) and Jon Kyl (R). He also visited the office of New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez (D), who sponsored the Armenian Genocide Resolution, S.Res.316. Panosian sought to thank the Senator for his work for the Armenian cause and to voice his concern for Matt Bryza’s potential nomination as ambassador to Azerbaijan. Although Panosian was unable to personally meet with Menendez, he was assured by his office staff that the message would reach him.

The most integral part of the weeklong program was the mock federal government. The Boys Nation senators held elections and legislative sessions and debates. Each of the participants was required to present one bill or resolution in Washington to be debated, discussed, lobbied, and voted on the “senate” floor. “As soon as I knew there was a required bill or resolution, I was focused on passing a resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide,” Panosian says. The 97 remaining senators responded to his resolution with full support. “Support of the resolution was unanimous,” he says.

The resolution, which formally affirmed the U.S. record on the Armenian Genocide Resolution, was the longest piece of legislation introduced at Boys Nation. As the final Senate session came to a close, S.Res.7 was the last piece of legislation to be introduced to the floor. It was the only bill to pass unanimously through the Boys Nation Senate, with a tally of 98-0 in favor of recognizing the Armenian Genocide.

Without the politics, and with 98 young, common-sensed leaders, irrefutable historical evidence, and the spirit of true American humanitarianism, the resolution was 1 of only 11 pieces of legislation passed at Boys Nation 2010. “It was truly a great victory for the American youth and for Armenians across the world. This gives us hope for a promising future,” Panosian says. Upon conclusion of the program, every bill was placed for review on the desk of President Obama, whom the young senators had the honor to meet at the White House on their last day in Washington.

In addition to the memorable and humbling experiences at Boys Nation, Panosian became acquainted with New York Boys Nation senator John Hartunian. The two met in Washington and instantly became friends, bonding over their common heritage. As soon as Panosian’s resolution, S.Res.7 passed on the floor, Hartunian was seen on the live-stream webcast walking across the room, ready with a handshake and hug for Panosian. The history of their ancestors was recognized by the young leaders of the United States.

Tro Panosian plans to study business and political/international affairs in college. He has been invited to apply for an internship to the office of John McCain and hopes to engage in politics in the future. Having been selected as Youth Leader of the Year by the Scottsdale/Paradise Valley Rotary Club, Panosian will be attending a leadership conference at the University of Washington in St. Louis in October. For now, he is enjoying his senior year of high school, serving as Student Government president and preparing for college.