A LEGISLATIVE COMMEMORATION,  Honoring Janessa Nickell of Sioux Falls, 2006 South Dakota American Legion Auxiliary Girls' State Governor, and Sam Merkel of Aberdeen, 2006 South Dakota American Legion Boys State Governor; and commending the South Dakota American Legion and Auxiliary for their sponsorship and coordination of the Girls' State and Boys' State programs.

     WHEREAS,  Janessa Nickell and Sam Merkel have been selected and are serving in these high offices and are outstanding young South Dakota leaders; and

     WHEREAS,  the goals of Boys' State and Girls' State are: (1) To better help youth understand and appreciate the American system of government and way of life, including the rights and responsibilities of citizenship; and (2) To give better knowledge of the fundamental principles of government within the State of South Dakota through a unique learn-by-doing workshop; and

     WHEREAS,  the South Dakota American Legion and Auxiliary have worked diligently for more than sixty years in conducting these fine programs:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT COMMEMORATED,  by the Eighty-second Legislature of the State of South Dakota, that Janessa Nickell and Sam Merkel be congratulated for their outstanding achievements; that appreciation be extended to those adults who donate time and energy to the program; and that the South Dakota American Legion and Auxiliary be recognized for their many years of sponsoring and conducting Boys' and Girls' State.