Russell, Escobedo awarded $1K scholarship

Karen C. Russell, of Encampment, is to receive the $1,000 American Legion Auxiliary Memorial Scholarship for 2016. Karen was a delegate to the 2015 Girls State program.

The American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of the American Legion also offered a $1,000 scholarship this year. The recipient of that scholarship was Cruz Escobedo from Saratoga.

The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 54 of Saratoga will sponsor McKenzie Powell, of Encampment High School, and Alicia Zaragoza, of Saratoga High School, as the two delegates from the Platte Valley chosen to attend the 74th session of the American Legion Auxiliary Wyoming Girls State program, which will be held on the campus of Northwest College in Powell from June 11-18.

According to a press release, the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State was established in 1941 and is an annual program designed as a practical experience in self-government based on Wyoming State Government. Wyoming Girls State is non-partisan and non-political in that no existing party is promoted. The program emphasizes the importance of government in modern life and educates young women in the duties, privileges, rights, and responsibilities of American Citizenship.

“It awakens a sincere conviction that a well-informed, intelligent, participating citizenry is vital to protect and preserve our American institutions and our democracy,” the press release said. “These goals are achieved by actual participation in a simulation of the political and governmental process.”

According to the release, Powell and Zaragoza were selected for their “outstanding achievements” within their own schools and communities.