Cindy Palm, representing the Girls State committee of the Mound Legion Auxiliary, explained that the auxiliaries of the American Legion Clarence Clofer Post 259 Excelsior and James Wieland Post 0597 St. Bonifacius also provided funding for the girls’ program. The three auxiliaries also provided funding for an additional candidate from Minnetonka High School this year.
The candidates were chosen after interviews with the Legion and Auxiliary and based on their leadership skills, ability to work with others, honesty, enthusiasm and interest in citizenship training. Boys and Girls State delegates will experience local, county and state government during the week.
The purpose of the conventions is to provide students with good citizenship training and the opportunity to learn about the duties, privileges, rights and responsibilities of government in a democratic society. Both programs include diverse groups of young men and women who share a common desire to learn. From small towns to urban areas, the young citizens’ different backgrounds add spirit to the program.
Each convention will have over 400 participants from every region of Minnesota; all are sponsored by their area American Legion and Legion Auxiliary Posts. Following the conventions, the delegates will be asked to report their impressions and experiences of Boys and Girls State to their local post.
Each year, students come back to MWHS sharing stories related to public speaking, patriotic ceremonies, mock judicial court proceedings and more. They gain extensive knowledge and an understanding of how the government works. MWHS appreciates this opportunity provided by the local American Legion and Auxiliary.
