American Legion Auxiliary Blaine Unit #40 recognizes Chinook students
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On Sunday, August 27, 2017, American Legion Auxiliary Blaine Unit #48 of Chinook hosted a reception recognizing the Girls State and Boys State delegates that represented Chinook High School this past summer. The delegates, their parents and families were invited to attend the reception.
Every year girls and boys in their junior year of high school are offered the chance to apply for the honor of attending the Montana Girls State and the Montana Boys State sessions that are held during the month of June. These events give the young people a chance to learn the grass root levels of government and how they are supposed to operate for the betterment of our country and all of its citizens. Beginning with local or city level, and continuing on through county and state levels, the girls and boys can run for all elected positions as well as for Supreme Court judges and other non-partisan offices. They get a chance to experience the election process and get a new taste of how each and every public office operates.
There are always several social events planned as well so the young people can have some fun. Each student comes away from their week spent working on various projects together with a real insight on how government should work, with an appreciation for working together for the good of all, and with many new friends from all around the state.
This summer Chinook was well represented by Erin Pula and Sierra Swank at Girls State, and Garrett Lowham, J.J. Colby and Jacob Huckabee at Boys State. Erin is the daughter of Jenni and Allen Pula; Sierra is the daughter of Sonia and Steve Swank; Garret is the son of Michelle and Craig Lowham; J.J. is the son of Dawn and John Colby; and Jacob is the son of Crystal and Randy Huckabee.
Erin and Sierra addressed the assembly together as they reported on what experiences they had at Girls State and what they came away with at the end of the week. Next the three boys were called up to receive their certificates and they also chose to speak together as opposed to one at a time. All of the students agreed that it was well worthwhile to attend their respective States and they would highly recommend it to all future Junior Class students. They all expressed gratitude to the local American Legion Post and Auxiliary for the opportunity to participate in something so rewarding.
It costs $300 per student for them to able to take part in Girls and Boys State. Each year that there is more than one girl or boy the local Post and Auxiliary are grateful for the financial help they get from other organizations in the community. The VFW Auxiliary willingly sponsors one girl and the VFW, Lions Club and Eagles have voluntarily helped pay for the extra boys.
American Legion Post Commander Lowell Long spoke after the boys finished and reported that he had been involved in helping with Boys State this summer and he was very, very impressed with the quality of young men, like those from Chinook, who attended the week-long event. There were several guest speakers, including Supreme Court judge and elected officials. The boys always asked very intelligent and well thought out questions. He said that everyone involved with the operation of Boys State was encouraged by how the boys conducted themselves and had nothing but high praise for them.
With things changing as fast as they do, it is with great sincerity that many hope this traditional yearly opportunity for our young people will remain available and continue through the years to come.
