Top students selected to attend Boys and Girls State sessions
In the mid 1930s, just prior to WWII, veterans with the American Legion saw the need to emphasize to Americas youth the importance and value of the U.S. democratic form of government. From that passion was born both the Girls and Boys State programs, which provide unique opportunities for select high school students entering their senior year to spend a week on a college campus, fully exploring the rights, privileges, duties and responsibilities of citizenship. During the week, students are assigned to one of two mock political parties, and from within those parties run for local, county, and state offices, and then participate in the operation of those government entities. Activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, chorus and recreational programs.The American Legion continues to support the Girls/Boys State programs by selecting and sponsoring students to attend either Boys State at Bowling Green University (June 10-17) with more than 1,300 young men, or Girls State with 900 women at Mount Union College (June 10-16).The New Philadelphia American Legion is truly honored to sponsor three boys and three girls this year to attend the 2012 Girls and Boys State weeks, said Ron Crabtree, Post 139 Commander.Selected for the 2012 program are the following:Girls State:Lexis Haney, 17, of Strasburg, granddaughter of Charlotte Garber and Jeff Weigand. Haney participates in National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Drama Club, and Mock Trial, and represented Central Catholic at the Hugh OBrian Leadership Conference. She is a varsity cheerleader, active in the youth group at Sacred Heart Church, and enjoys participating in Relay for Life and singing in the choir. Haney plans to become a physician.Lydia Kneuss, 17, of New Philadelphia, is the daughter of David and Jennifer Kneuss. She participates in National Honor Society, Academic Challenge team, Student Council, and Science Club, as well as 4-H, and qualified for the State 4-H Public Speaking Contest. She is a member of the high school tennis team, ladies vocal ensemble, and is involved in theater. Kneuss was chosen as Ohios 2011 Rural Electric Co-op Youth Leadership delegate. Kneuss plans to major in political science.Laura Ruegsegger, 17, of New Philadelphia, is the daughter of Dale and Young Cha Ruegsegger. She is a member of the National Honor Society, and has been class president for three years. She is involved in Student Council, Key Club, Science and Adventure Club, Cyber Club, Mock Trial team, and Science Olympiad, and is a varsity cheerleader. She was selected to represent her high school at the Hugh OBrian Leadership Conference. Ruegsegger plans to major in humanities or science.Boys State:Michael Lawless, 17, of Dover, is a son of Joseph and Sandra Lawless, and is an honor student, involved in Student Council, Spanish Club, choir, and on the prom committee. Lawless is an active member of his church and with community service. He plays football, basketball, and baseball. Lawless plans to attend Ohio University and major in osteopathic medicine.Patrick Snead, 17, of New Philadelphia, is a son of Harry and Sheila Snead. He has taken part in advanced placement classes, French Club, Student Council, choir, and Mock Trial. His church activities included youth camp and summer church camp. He participates in cross country and track. Snead plans to major in history, law or political science.Jacob Triplett, 17, of New Philadelphia, is the son of David and Amy Triplett. He is an honor student, and is involved with Spanish Club, Student Council, Drama Club, golf, baseball, and served two years as class vice president. He is active in youth ministry at Sacred Heart Church and 4-H. Triplett plans to attend Ohio State University and major in veterinary medicine.Any military veteran interested in information on joining the American Legion can contact Crabtree at 330-308-9155.
