Spearfish American Legion presents programs to board, donates $250 for student lunches

Micheline Nelson, president of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 164, and other American Legion family members told the Spearfish School Board on May 12 that the organization partners with schools on youth and civic programs and provided a $250 donation to the district lunch program.

Kevin Plunder, children-and-youth chairman for the Spearfish American Legion family, described the group’s ‘Shop with a Veteran’ initiative, an Easter carnival that served roughly 175 children, and other outreach activities. “We want to make sure those kids have a good Christmas,” Plunder said as he recounted earlier shopping and holiday visits that included veteran volunteers and local business support. He confirmed the organization will donate $250 “to the lunch program” to assist students in need.

Carol Howitz, vice commander and Americanism officer, outlined student opportunities the Legion supports, including Boys State (a weeklong civics program at Northern State University), the oratorical competition with local-to-state scholarship tracks, a Youth Trooper Academy, and nominations for an educator-of-the-year recognition. “These are scholarships and experiential programs we provide and pay for,” Howitz said, urging school staff to partner with Legion coordinators and teachers for nominations and competition entries.

Board members thanked the Legion representatives and invited them for photographs. The donation will be processed through the district’s normal acceptance and bookkeeping procedures before funds are applied to the lunch program.