ELMWOOD – Crain-Ottman American Legion Post 207 and Auxiliary Unit 207 participated in the Elmwood High School Awards Banquet the evening of May 1 to present scholarships and awards. Legion Commander Jerry Thompson presented a $1,000 scholarship to Ryan Rupakus to assist in his collegiate endeavors.

To qualify for the Post 207 Scholarship the student must have a 3.0 GPA, and at the time of application, a parent, grandparent, brother, or sister must be a member of Legion Post 207, or a deceased member of Post 207.

Badger Boys State participant Jaycob Reitz and Badger Girls State participant Cadie Asher received their Certificates of Appreciation from Auxiliary Unit 207 Vice-President Brenda Bechel.  Badger Boys State and Badger Girls State educates young leaders on how to become more impactful community members of Wisconsin. During the program, high school students between their junior and senior years learn how our government system works by creating their own city, county, and state level governments. They even learn how to run for governor.  

There are also many scholarships available to Boys and Girls State participants. If a Boys State participate enrolls into college at UW Eau Claire, they automatically receive a $1,000 scholarship from the university. High school juniors who are attending either Badger Boys State or Badger Girls State who are direct descendants of a wartime US military veteran, can also apply online to the Samsung Scholarship and compete for multiple $1,250, $5,000 or $10,000 scholarships. Scholarship applicants must complete and submit their online application prior to 11:59 (local time) of Day 1 of their respective American Legion Boys State or American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program. All applications must be submitted using the online application system.

Worldwide electronics leader Samsung endowed a scholarship fund of $5 million to be administered by The American Legion in 1996. Meant to show appreciation for U.S. veterans who came to Korea's aid during its struggle against communist forces in the Korean War. Applicants who are direct descendants of Korean War Era Veterans will receive three bonus points.

Submitted by Crain-Ottman Post 207 Legion Commander Jerry Thompson