Local Girls and Boys Staters Chosen

American Legion Boys State and American Legion Auxiliary Minnesota Girls State are the premier programs for teaching how government works while developing leadership skills and an appreciation for their rights as a citizen. Participants in the program run for office, learn public speaking, create and enforce laws and actively participate in all phases of creating and running a working government.

Boys State will be at St. John's University in Collegeville. Girls State will be at Bethel University in St Paul. Both sessions are June 11-17.

Chosen from Battle Lake American Legion and Auxiliary are:

Garrett Sagerhorn has been selected 2017 Battle Lake American Legion Boys State. Garrett's parents are Jeff and Shelly Sagerhorn.

Karina Walvatne has been selected 2017 American Legion Auxiliary Minnesota Girls State for Battle Lake. Karina's parents are Wayne and Becky Walvatne.She is involved in FFA, BPA, FCA, 4-H, Mock Trial, Basketball, Volleyball, and Interact. 

George Bergem Post 489 and Auxiliary has selected Underwood High School juniors Theo Johnson and Taylor Gardin to attend.

Taylor  is the daughter of Rod and Stacy Stanley and Timothy Gardin. She is active  in cross country and track, Student Council, Knowledge Bowl, Econ Challenge, Interact and a member of the National Honor Society.  Taylor currently represents Underwood as Miss Congeniality at area functions.

Theo is the son of Mark and Katie Johnson.  He is active in alpine skiing, Band, Spanish Club, Knowledge Bowl, Student Council and a member of the National Honor Society.  Theo is a member of the UHS Business and Professional Association and currently running for National Office. He also participates in 4-H and Younglife. 

Both Legions and Auxiliaries are proud to sponsor these students.