Woodbury American Legion Post 501 selects Four Woodbury Juniors for Legion Boys State
By: Woodbury American Legion Post 501 Public Affairs
WOODBURY – Woodbury American Legion Post 501 has selected four Woodbury Juniors to attend the 71st Annual American Legion Boys State June 9-15, 2019 on the campus of St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota.
Calvin Stepan is a junior at Woodbury High School and the son of Dan and Shannon Stepan. Calvin is actively involved in band, track and field, cross country and the High School Robotics team. He is an Eagle Scout and a member of the Order of the Arrow, the National Honor Society of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), composed of Scouts and Scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives as elected by their peers. Calvin would like to pursue a degree in Engineering upon graduation. Calvin’s sponsor for Boy’s State is North End Post 474, St. Paul.
Ben Cederstrom is also a junior at Woodbury High School and the son of Dan and Sue Cederstron. Ben is involved in the Woodbury choir, downhill alpine ski team, Rec League baseball and the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program, a college readiness program designed to help students develop the skills they need to be successful in college. Ben loves music, but is undecided what career field to pursue upon graduation. Ben’s sponsor for Boy’s State is Woodbury American Legion Post 501.
Sam and Zach Soderberg are juniors at East Ridge High School and the sons of Kathy Soderberg. Both young men are involved in Winter Percussion, Jazz and Marching Band at East Ridge. Zach plays tuba, bass trombone and snare drums, while Sam plays trombone, mallets, euphonium and bass drums. They have had many leadership roles in the Band and are members of Tri-M music honor society that recognizes students for their academic and musical achievements as well as provides leadership and service opportunities to young musicians. Both Sam and Zach are seeking to become members of the National Honor Society. They both serve as Link Crew leaders providing mentorship to freshmen and assist them to be successful during the transition to high school. They are members of the East Ridge High School Varsity Trap Team. Last year they were the Team captains and they participated in Nationals in Michigan. Ben is interested in attending the Air Force Academy while his brother Zach is interested in West Point. Both are actively studying for the ACT and SATs to achieve this goal. Both boys are sponsored by Woodbury American Legion Post 501.
Legion Boys State emphasizes civic leadership and pride in American citizenship. Highlights of the week will include political speakers, mock trials, campaigning, elections, and announcement of Boys State Governor and State Constitution Officers. Legion Boys State was first held in Minnesota in 1949 with 169 boys attending on the St. Paul Campus of the University of Minnesota. Last year there were approximately 300 Boys States on the Campus of St. John’s University. Woodbury Post 501 has been represented by numerous boys throughout the history of the program.
-WOODBURY AMERICAN LEGION POST 501
