TWENTY-ONE AREA YOUTHS ATTEND 58TH SESSION OF BOYS STATE

Twenty-one area students attended the 58th session of the American Legion Boys State of Missouri June 14-21 in Warrensburg.

The event, which took place on the campus of Central Missouri State University, teaches students the elements of pure democracy. The program is designed to educate and train Missouri's young leaders in functional citizenship, leadership and government.

Nearly 1,000 student leaders attended. The entire staff was comprised of educational, legal, professional and civic volunteers. Former Secretary of Defense William J. Perry was guest speaker for the event.

The following youths attended:

Erik Morse, son of Randy and Barbara Morse of Cape Girardeau, was sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Lion's Club. He is a student at Cape Girardeau Central High School, where he was recently inducted into National Honor Society (NHS), and is a member of Beta Club, Spanish club and debate club. He attends LaCroix Methodist Church, where he has been active in Youth Group and Mission trips to West Virginia and Tennessee.

Michael Minner, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robin Minner of Cape Girardeau, was sponsored by the Cape West Rotary Club. He is a student at Central High School, where he is a member of the varsity baseball team and has been honored with the Renaissance People's Choice award, most courteous junior award, Paul Schnare Spirit award, outstanding citizen award and American Legion award. He has also attended Model UN seminars and won first place in an art exhibit at Southeast Missouri State University. He attends Antioch Baptist Church, and is a member of Young Life and a Little League umpire.

Greg Wibbenmeyer, son of Michael and Cynthia Wibbenmeyer of Friedheim, was sponsored by the Lamplighter Extension Club. He is a student at Oak Ridge High School, where he is a member of the science club and marching, pep and concert bands, and a participant in Southeast Missouri Science Olympiad. He is also a defenseman in the SEMO Youth Hockey League.

Dean Bucher, son of Denis and Sharon Bucher of Jackson, was sponsored by the Jackson Elks Club. He is a student at Jackson High School, where he is a member of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Student Council, NHS, pep club and Spanish club. He is a member of Immaculate Conception Church and the Immaculate Conception Youth Group.

Aron Meystedt, son of Kermit and Sandy Meystedt of Cape Girardeau, was sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Rotary Club. He is a student at Central High School, where he is a member of NHS, varsity basketball team, Beta Club, Young Life and FCA. He has been a high honor roll student and recognized as sophomore scholar-athlete. He attends Cape Bible Chapel.

Ryan Mangels, son of Verlin and Martha Mangels of Jackson, was sponsored by Jackson Optimist Club. He is a student at Jackson High School, where he is a member of FBLA, Peer Tutors and band. He attends St. Paul Lutheran Church, where he is a member of the church youth group.

Craig Hutson, son of Charles and Linda Hutson of Jackson, was sponsored by Jackson American Legion Post #158. He is a student at Jackson High School and is a member of FCA, pep club, Spanish club, NHS, speech and debate teams, jazz, marching, symphonic and pep bands, golf team, Hi-Step, FBLA, Student Council, Explorer Post 311, Order of the Arrow, Jackson Municipal Band. He has been recognized as an Eagle Scout and outstanding jazz soloist at the Cape Girardeau Central and Mineral Area Jazz contests, and he won membership in the All-State Symphonic Band, SEMO All-District band and SEMO wind-ensemble. He is a member of First Baptist Church of Jackson.

Steven Bucher, son of Frank and Margie Bucher of Kelso, was sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council #1111 of Cape Girardeau. He is a student at Notre Dame High School, and is a member of St. Augustine Church in Kelso. He is active in NHS and was section leader in the Notre Dame Concert Choir last year.

Scott Essner, son of Jerome and Beverly Essner of Scott City, was sponsored by VFW Post 3838 of Cape Girardeau. He is a student at Notre Dame High School, and is a member of NHS, Students Against Driving Drunk and the varsity baseball team. He has participated in the school musical and attends St. Augustine Church, where he is president of the youth group.

Bryan Drury, son of Jerry and Kathlean Drury of Cape Girardeau, was sponsored by VFW Post 3838 of Cape Girardeau. He is a student at Notre Dame High School, and is a member of SADD, concert choir, soccer and baseball teams. He has participated two years in the school musical, and he volunteers for Pro-Life and is a student teacher for the Missouri Extension Program.

Brian Beard, son of Dan and Debbie Beard of Cape Girardeau, was sponsored by Cape Girardeau Lions Club. He is a student at Central High School, and is a member of varsity football and baseball teams, NHS, FCA and Young Life. He has been recognized for academic achievement, perfect attendance and as a scholar athlete. He is a member of Lynwood Baptist Church.

Paul Dobbins, son of Ken and Jeanine Dobbins of Cape Girardeau, was sponsored by Cape Girardeau West Rotary Club. He is a student at Central High School, and is a member of NHS, National Beta Club, varsity baseball team and FCA. He has been recognized for academic achievement on the honor roll and in Who's Who Among American High School Students. He attends Christ Episcopal Church and is a member of Young Life.

Bradley Gaydos, son of Bernard and Elizabeth Gaydos of Cape Girardeau, was sponsored by Cape Girardeau Kiwanis Club. He is a student at Central High School, and is a member of St. Vincent de Paul Church.

Jimmy Auer, son fo ?? and ??, was sponsored by Cape Girardeau Exchange Club. He is a student at Notre Dame High School, and is a member of concert choir. He has participated as a member of the school musical's sound crew and works as a soccer referee. He is a member of St. Vincent's Church.

Pat Dunham, son of Bob and Jan Dunham of Cape Girardeau, was sponsored by the Breakfast Optimist Club of Cape Girardeau. He is a student at Central High School and is a member of varsity soccer team, NHS, National Beta Club, and the gifted program. He has been recognized for academic excellence and as a scholar athlete.

Robert Macklem, son of James and Shirley Macklem, was sponsored by Cape Girardeau Evening Optimist Club. He is a student at Notre Dame High School, and is a member of varsity cross county an scholar bowl teams, SADD, NHS and band. He is also a member of Troop 16, where he was recognized as an Eagle Scout with Silver Palm, and he has been a member of Adirondack Scout Camp staff. He attends St. Mary's Church, where is a member fo the youth group and youth group choir.

Drew Witvoet, son of Jerry and Nancy Witvoet of Cape Girardeau, was sponsored by the Charleston Farmers and Merchants club. He is a student at Central High School, and is a member of varsity track and basketball teams, NHS, Renaissance club and FCA. He has been recognized for academic achievement and has won the scholar athlete award. He volunteers at Habitat for Humanity and is an independent lawncare specialist. He is a member of Young Life and Cape La Croix United Methodist Church, where he is active in the church's youth group.

John Beaudean, son of Mark and Sally Beaudean of Cape Girardeau, was sponsored by Scott City schools. He is a student at Central High School, and is a member of marching, concert and jazz bands, chamber choir, and the Cape Girardeau Municipal Band. He has been recognized by the Missouri Ambassadors of Music summer tour and is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where he plays in the brass ensemble and serves as an usher.

Adam Bertrand, son of David and Kathleen Bertrand of Cape Girardeau, was sponsored by the Cape Girardeau American Legion Post 63. He is a student at Central High School, and is a member of varsity baseball and football teams, Young Life, Ford & Sons American Legion baseball team and SEMO Bank Junior American Legion baseball team. He attends Centenary Methodist Church.

Ryan Hendrickson, son of James and Karen Hendrickson of Cape Girardeau, was sponsored by Noranda Aluminum. He is a student at Central High School, and is a member of Boy Scouts of America, International Thespian Society, Red Dagger drama club, French club, Renaissance steering committee and Team Spirit. He worked as a photographer for the school yearbook and newspaper, and has volunteered at Southeast Missouri Hospital and the American Red Cross. He has been a winner of a People's Choice award, Red Dagger technical award, and received honorable mention for photography by the State Yearbook Organization. He attends Grace United Methodist Church and is a member of United Methodist Youth Fellowship.

Chris Bergerson, son of Peter and Connie Bergerson of Cape Girardeau, was sponsored by the Kennett Kiwanis Club. He is a student at Central High School, and is a member of the varsity basketball team and yearbook staff. He participated in a mock Constitutional Convention and the Model United Nations. He is a member of St. Vincents Church.

Jeff Michel, son of Ron and Caryn Michel of Cape Girardeau, was sponsored by Cape Girardeau American Legion Post No. 63. He is a student at Central High School, and is a member of varsity football and baseball teams. His accomplishments include student of the month in chemistry and physical education, member of the 1994 USA Soccer Team that played in Europe and Holland, member of the 1995 Jr. Legion state championship baseball team, winner of a People's Choice award. He is a member of St. Mary's Cathedral and Young Life.