Gerhart is the son of Stacy and Luke Gerhart. Dodson is the daughter of Lisa and Mike Dodson.

The Boys State program will take place June 17-23 at Grand Valley State University, while the Girls State program is slated for the same time frame but at Michigan State University.

These programs teach young men and young women in their junior year of high school the function of government, a glimpse of life in a college dorm setting, leadership, management and communication skills. In the course of seven days they also develop friendships that will last a life time. They are sponsored by American Legion Departments across the country to help delegates learn about government and how it works.

Delegates have the opportunity to learn more about their city, county and state government in one week than in an entire semester in a formal classroom setting. Boys and Girls Staters will meet with elected and appointed officials to learn more about the duties and responsibilities of a variety of positions in government from people on the “inside.” They also will participate in a mock, interactive exercise of campaigning, debating, voting and electing mock local and state leaders.

Gerhart is being sponsored by the family of Ray Henry, Sr., in memory of Mr. Henry. He enjoys building computers, robotics, working on his truck, fishing and hunting.

Dodson is a member of National Honor Society, plays guitar for Resurrection Lutheran Church, and sings and plays guitar at local establishments such as the Hungry Hippie and the Black Sheep.