The American Legion and Auxiliary annual Americanism Awards were presented on Sunday, April 23.

Austin Post 91 Commander Kirk Olsen welcomed the recipients and their families. Steve Krob, Americanism chairman, presented the Boys State awards to Austin High School junior Michael Vuong. Pacelli junior Patrick Murphy did not attend. Lola Hanson, Girls State chairwoman, presented Girls State awards to AHS juniors Kellie Baier and Sydney Marsh; and Sonia Ramirez from Pacelli.

Olsen and Hanson presented the Americanism awards Bryant Borland and Natalie Perry of AHS; Pacelli’s Americanism recipients were Neftali Lopez and Jacob Paul.

Critieria for being Boys and Girls State representatives includes being a junior, being in the upper 50 percent of the class, being a leader, being enthusiastic, having good personality and character, geting along with others, interested in a citizenship program, and demonstrating quality work in the classroom and the community. These representatives attend a week-long program in June. Girls State is held at Bethel College, and Boys State at St. John’s University. Students learn about local, county, and state government and are exposed to the responsibilities of American citizens.

The qualities for choosing the Americanism recipients are courage, honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship, and service. These qualities are inscribed on the medallions they received. This is the highest honor awarded American youth by the American Legion.