The Buckeye Boys State and Buckeye Girls State events are an opportunity for high school students to learn about the rights, privileges and responsibilities of each citizen.
The training is objective and centered on the structure of government in this country. The events have been sponsored by the American Legion since the 1930s. Each post sponsors students from their post home area for the week long, hands-on government experience.
American Legion Post 352 of Mentor recognized the delegates to the 2013 Buckeye Boys and Girls states, as well as the high test scorers of the 2013 Americanism and Government Test at a dinner Jan. 18 at the post home in Mentor.
The delegates to the Buckeye State event were Kristin Hermann of Mentor High School and Annie Skoch, Charles Seacrist, Sean Manning and Luke Grgic from Lake Catholic High School.
The 2013 Americanism and Government Test is given to grades 10 through 12 and winners are selected by a Department of Ohio judging panel. Each test is scored against a standardized answer sheet and in the event of a tie, the 300-word essay question that is a part of the test is used as a tie breaker. Each state winner receives a scholarship. The 2013 Americanism and Government Test winners from American Legion Post 352 were:
Mentor High School: Vishnu Nistala, Tim Cundy, Joseph Mrowca and Michaela Judy.
Mentor Christian School: Kal Krivoy, Abigail Lyon, Mikey Suba, Brook Seitz, David Osredkar and Ashley Waller.
Lake Catholic High School: Natalie Jernejcic, Anthony Laricca, Olivia Shero, Zachary Folino and Ashley Buzzanca.

Dedicated veteran housing at Hiram College
Hiram College hosted a re-dedication ceremony of on-campus dedicated veteran housing, known as Freedom Center at Henry Hall, on Wednesday. The ceremony was a part of the Patriot Development Group’s efforts to attract post-9/11 veterans to the campus.
The group helps veterans earn a four-year degree in three years by proving dorm rooms, meals, tuition and books. The veteran must be honorably discharged and GI Bill eligible. The veteran also must have carried at least a 2.5 grade-point average from high school or college.
For details about the Patriot Development Group, call Hiram DeJesus,  at 440-785-3234 or email  info@patriotdevelopmentgroup.com.

Post 214 to host big game party
American Legion Post 214, 4304 Center St. in Willoughby, will host a Super Bowl party beginning at 6 p.m. Sunday at the post home. Food served will be beef chili, a taco bar, sub sandwich, potato salad and pasta salad. Tickets are $12 and includes one free drink per person. Registration is requested by calling 440-942-7762 after 3 p.m.

50s/60s Dance at Wickliffe Legion 
American Legion Post 7, 29919 Euclid Ave. in Wickliffe, will once again host the Knights of Columbus annual 50s/60s dance beginning at 6 p.m. Feb. 8 at the post home. Tickets are $10 per person or $15 per couple.
The evening will include special prices on hot dogs, hamburgers and french fries. For more details or tickets, call Jose Rivera at 216-355-4633.

Ladies Auxiliary hosts annual Chinese auction
The Ladies Auxiliary of AMVETS Post 109, 7847 Lake Shore Blvd. in Mentor-on-the-Lake, will host a Chinese auction and dinner Feb. 15 at the post home. Dinner will be served 5 to 7 p.m. followed by the auction. Tickets are $15 per person or two for $25. Only 100 tickets will be sold. For tickets or more information, call the post home at 440-257-9217.

Valentine Dinner Dance at Marine Corps League
Col. Justice M. Chambers Detachment 555 of the Marine Corps League, 8720 Twinbrook Drive in Mentor, will host a Valentine Dinner Dance beginning at 5 p.m. Feb. 15 at Gunny’s Hall. The menu will include three choices of entree: prime rib, shrimp and chicken sauté, or lasagna. Ticket prices are dependent upon entrée choice. For details or reservations, call 440-974-9380.

Annual Iwo Jima Remembrance Mass
The Annual Iwo Jima Remembrance Mass will be 8 a.m. Feb. 19 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 7575 Bellflower Road in Mentor. The public is welcome to attend. For information, call Art Holan at 440-951-6432.

Boulevard of 500 Flags fundraiser
A fundraiser for Boulevard of 500 Flags will be 6 to 11 p.m. Feb. 21, at Patrician Party Center, 33150 Lakeland Blvd. in Eastlake. Tickets are $30 per person of $55 per couple.
The evening will feature dinner, Chinese auction, door prizes, side boards and a 50/50 raffle.
For tickets or information, call Ed Doherty at 440-796-5047; Dennis Morley at 440-951-3934 or Joe D’Ambrosio at 440-946-4861.

Madison Legion Post hosts Saturday Lucky Shoots
American Legion Post 112, 6671 Middle Ridge Road in Madison, continues Lucky Shoots on Saturdays through March 15. Sign-ups start at 9 a.m. and breakfast for shooters will be $2.50. Breakfast for everyone else will be $5. For details, call the post home at 440-428-7893.

To submit items for this column or the online listings, send them to: The News-Herald, Attn.: Larece Galer, 7085 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, OH 44094; fax to 440-975-2293; or via email to LGaler@News-Herald.com.