To the Journal editor:

On behalf of the American Legion Post 114 and the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 114 of Greenwood, we would like to extend a huge thank you to the following businesses and individuals who so generously supported us with our girls state and boys state 2026 program.

The girls state and boys state program first presented in the late 1930’s and is one of the most respected experiential learning programs in the United States. Guided by the principle “For God and Country”, whereas this program focuses on responsible citizenship and leadership. Each participant experiences firsthand and insight as to how our government works from the township to the state level by setting up mock “cities” and electing delegates. Their participation will also provide them training and awareness of the judicial system through a mock court setting. They leave the program with a deeper understanding of government, a renewed sense of patriotism, and an appreciation for our veterans.

This is a one week program made available to students who have completed their junior year of high school. Girls will travel to Michigan State University and Boys will travel to Hillsdale College. The cost for tuition, transportation, room and meals are paid for by the sponsoring local American Legion post and the American Legion auxiliary unit with additional support from local businesses and individuals. Through the generosity of the following businesses and individuals, we were able to send 17 girls to girls state and two boys to boys state.

Thank you to the following:

Cliffs-Tilden Mine, Nicolet National Bank, TruNorth Federal Credit Union, First Bank, Sons of the American Legion Post 114-Greenwood, American Legion Post 291-Lake Linden, American Legion Post 44-Marquette, American Legion Post 92-Rockland, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 44-Marquette, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 146-Menominee, Amvets, Smarty’s Saloon, Barr’s Bar, Dr. Elizabeth Tuma, Larry Collister, Tim Walters, Greg Hart, Ann Bertagnoli, Paul Martinsen, Tom Perry, Richard Sharland, Rodney Koivula, Julie Collins, Sharon Soave, Carl Hosang and to all the members of the community who donated at our monthly burger nights and our spaghetti fundraiser. Your generosity is appreciated beyond words. Thank you.