American Legion Chooses Westonka Representatives for Boys and Girls State Convention

By Lorrie Ham

Four Mound Westonka High School junior boys and three junior girls have been selected by the Mound American Legion Post and Auxiliary to represent the Westonka community at the annual Boys and Girls State Convention. Headed for Boys State June 9-15 at Southwest State University at Marshall are John Byers, Matt Hejna, Willie Maahs and Trevor Omann. Girls State will be the same week at Bethel University in Arden Hills with Lily Frenette, Carly Koch and Emily Minzel representing the community.

The candidates were chosen after interviews with the Legion and Auxiliary based on their leadership skills, ability to work with others, honesty, enthusiasm and interest in citizenship training. Boys and Girls State delegates will experience local, county, and state government during their week.

The purpose of the conventions is to provide students with good citizenship training and the opportunity to learn about the duties, privileges, rights, and responsibilities of government in a democratic society.

Each convention will have over 400 participants from every region of Minnesota; all are sponsored by their area American Legion and Legion Auxiliary Posts.

Lily Frenette is a writer, painter and photographer. She is a cross-country runner, member of the Speech Team and President of Spanish Club. She loves reading and history.

Carly Koch is a member of Link Crew and NHS. She is also an artist. She volunteers at Presbyterian Homes and is interested in pursuing a career in physical therapy. 

For four years, Emily Minzel has been a member of both the swim and dive team and the lacrosse team. She is also a member of NHS and Link Crew. She enjoys spending her summer on the lake.

Soccer and wrestling define John Byers, who calls his coaches the biggest influences in his life. He is also a member of the track team and NHS, and takes AP classes. Byers says all of his actions are attempts to show his younger brother and best friend the right path and to guide him in life.

Matt Hejna is active in the community, from volunteering at his church, working at a home centered daycare and taking part in DECA projects. He is also a member of Link Crew and NHS. 

Willie Maahs will captain both the soccer and alpine ski teams next year. He is also a member of DECA, Student Senate and NHS, and spends time volunteering in the community with those clubs.

Trevor Omann is a member of the soccer and tennis teams. He also participates in NHS, Science Olympiad and DECA, where he advanced to international competition this year. He volunteers at the U of M educating children about diabetes. He also enjoys ceramics.

Following the conventions, the delegates will be asked to report their impressions and experiences of Boys and Girls State to their local post. 

"Each year the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary select outstanding students from MWHS to represent our community and school at Girls and Boys State.  Some of the state's best and brightest are provided a week to learn the intricate aspects of local, state, and federal government,” Principal Keith Randklev said. “Again this year, MWHS is proud to have an exemplary group of students share in this experience, and we are grateful for the support provided these wonderful ambassadors by our local American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary!"