The American Legion & Auxiliary Annual Americanism Awards were presented on April 21 and included local recipients.

Austin Post 91 Commander Roland Hanson and Unit 91 President Jean Ball welcomed the recipients and their families. Steve Krob, Americanism chairman, presented the Boys State award to Austin High School junior Ethan Johnson.

Annette Quinlan, Girls State chairperson, presented awards to Grace Berke, Kristen Carlson, and Jiyoon Shin from AHS. Americanism awards were presented by Hanson and Ball to Austin High’s Melissa Navoa and Nick Brehmer. Pacelli’s Americanism winners were Stephen Juenger and Paige Smith.

Boys and Girls state representatives are chosen with these criteria in mind: junior class member in the upper 50 percent of the class, a leader, enthusiastic, good personality and character, gets along with others, interested in a citizenship program, demonstrates quality work in the classroom and the community.

These representatives attend a week-long program in June.

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 to youth by the American Legion.