Halleran selected for Boys State

 Tanner Halleran was selected as a delegate to this year's American Legion Hawkeye Boys State  conducted at Camp Dodge, Johnston, Iowa from June 11-16. Tanner is the son of Bill and Amy Halleran of Sigourney and will be a senior at Sigourney Junior Senior High School for the 2017-2018 year.

The American Legion founded Boys State as a youth citizenship program in 1935 out of a desire to counter the Fascist inspired Young Pioneer Camps of the 1930's, where boys of high school age were being taught that democracy had outworn its usefulness and should be replaced by a new form of government, namely Fascism. Though Fascism no longer poses a threat in today's world, our way of life is still threatened by forms of government alien to our democratic ideals, and by apathy among our own citizens. The American Legion continues to conduct Boys State in the belief that young citizens who are familiar with the operation of our system of government will be better prepared to uphold its ideals and maintain it for future generations.

Iowa American Legion Hawkeye Boys State is a weeklong "Hands-On" experience in the operation of the democratic form of government, the organization of political parties, and the relationship of one to the other in shaping Iowa government. Participants are exposed to, the rights and privileges, the duties and responsibilities of a franchised citizen. The training is practical with city, county, and state governments operated by the students elected to the various offices. Activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, las enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, chorus, and recreational programs. Boys State tests skill in solving problems and working effectively within a team.

Working in partnership with MidWestOne Bank, Keokuk County State Bank, and VFW Post 2308, American Legion Lacey Kerr Post # 19 in Sigourney is able to sponsor a delegate to American Legion Hawkeye Boys State each year.