Boy State, Girl State and beyond

HOLLY, Michigan – Thanks to the funding efforts of the Holly American Legion Post 149 and the  Holly High School Career Center, 10 ambitious HHS students will be embarking upon a summer adventure that they will not soon forget.

Destined to become a future leader making policy decisions in Lansing, Washington DC and beyond, the students have been selected to participate on one of three programs designed to educate them about life in public service.

HHS juniors Melissa Bott, Megan Incammicia, and Liana Periard were selected to attend the 70th session of the Michigan American Legion Auxiliary Girls State being conducted on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing, June 19 – 25. There, they will join other young ladies from across the state in learning about the functions of American government.

Juniors Matthew Brack, Alex Determan, Jeff Frary, Anthony Hansen, and Greg Hooper were also chosen to represent HHS at the 74th session of the Michigan American Legion Boys State Program to be held on the Northwood University campus the same week.

Both programs provide real-life simulations in which students serve as public representatives in a mock government situation. During the weeklong event, the students will engage in campaigns, enact laws, formulate policy, and learn parliamentary procedure.

Since its inception, many notable people have attended these events across the United States including Neil Armstrong, Jon Bon Jovi, Rush Limbaugh, Michael Jordan and Jane Pauley.

Senior Terry Stein and junior Matthew Gagnon were selected to attend the Michigan State Police Student Trooper Program to be held on the campus of Michigan State Police Academy facility in Lansing. The program is designed to teach young students interested in a career in law enforcement the various aspects involved in the occupation. These two young men will encounter simulated drug busts, traffic stops, police canine unit situations, basic crime scenes, forensic techniques and intense physical training.

The cost of the three programs is being funded by the Holly America Legion Post 149 and the support of the HHS Career Center.