Cody Wiik and Sam Shelstad Attend Boys State

Cody Wiik and Sam Shelstad, along with 130 other delegates chosen from across the state, spent the week of May 25-29 steeped in government and the democratic process at the 83rd Annual South Dakota Boys State. Traditionally held in Aberdeen on the campus of Northern State University, the event is hosted by the American Legion. 

Wiik and Shelstad, both members of the MHS Class of 2027,were selected by the Big Stone American Legion Post # 229. 

Coltyn Raymond of Ethan, a rising senior at Ethan High School, was elected Governor. Patrick Quale of Volga, a student at Sioux Valley High School, was elected Lieutenant Governor. Two delegates –  Luke Swanson of Aberdeen and Owen Kopfmann of Mitchell– were selected to represent South Dakota at the American Legion Boys Nation in Washington, D.C.,in July. Micah Zastrow of Redfield was named the 2026 recipient of the Samsung American Legion Scholarship. His application has been forwarded to the National American Legion Selection Committee, and he is eligible for one of ten $10,000 scholarships awarded to national finalists.