Courtesy Photo

This photo, provided by Alpena High School counselor Lori Vought, shows Alpena High student Nickoli D’Agrella and Alpena Public Schools employee Kathy Goeke. Goeke is sponsoring D’Agrella in the Boys State Program in memory of Goeke’s parents, Emma Jean and Ray Henry.

The Boys State Program prepares young men for positions of civic leadership and responsibility in the areas of government or community service. The boys in attendance will learn leadership skills and have the opportunity to debate current issues that affect their lives and the lives of those in their community.

Ray Henry was an active member of the American Legion in Alpena and made sure a boy was able to attend the annual event each year. The Goeke family — Kathy Goeke and Ray, David, and Harry Henry — have contributed to a young man’s attendance each year as a way of honoring their father’s legacy.