Jennifer Bruntlett (standing) and Scott Buermann (left) were selected as delegates to this year's American Legion Boys and Girls State. Alternates are Becky Schaumann and Craig Thomes (right).To be eligible for selection the candidates must have a grade point average in the upper half of the junior class and were required to write a 500-word essay. They had 10 topics to select from. Buermann wrote his essay on Bill Clinton while Bruntlett selected Jesse Ventura. Thomes selected pop machines in Minnesota schools, and Schaumann wrote about gun control.
Jennifer is the daughter of Michelle Bruntlett and Brad Bruntlett, both of Paynesville. She is a D.A.R.E. mentor, serves on the student council, is a peer helper, and a member of the softball team. Outside of school she is an 11-year member of the Paynesville Girl Scouts and is active in the youth group at Nordland Lutheran Church.
Scott is the son of Arnie and Lucy Buermann. He is a peer tutor, a member of the chess club, and baseball and basketball teams. Outside of school he is a substitute religious teacher at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Roscoe.
Becky is the daughter of Roger and Gladys Schaumann. She is a member of the choir and takes part in mission trips through Crystal Hills Assembly.
Craig is the son of Donald and Helen Thomes. He is a peer tutor and a member of the baseball team. He also volunteers at St. Martin Catholic Church.
Boys State will be held June 10 to 16 at St. Olaf College, Northfield. Girls State is held the same week at Bethel College, St. Paul.
Girls and boys staters learn about citizenship by participating in a mock government. Participants will learn about the political process by holding their own caucuses, platforms, and conventions. They will elect a party caucus chairman, caucus clerk, and delegates to the party county convention. They will also hold their own city elections.