05/12/2026
Illini Girls State
The Danforth American Legion Auxiliary Unit #367 is proud to announce that Ella Lunt and Paige Miller will be their representatives for the 85th session of Illini Girls State. Our selection is based on leadership, citizenship, good character, and cooperation. Illini Girls State is held in June for one week on the campus of Eastern Illinois University. Girls State is a simulated government program using Illinois government as a template. It provides citizenship training.
Upon arrival, attendees will become citizens of cities within counties. Two political parties campaign for offices and elected officials then assume duties.
The goal is to provide awareness of the responsibilities, rights, and privileges of being American citizens while participating in the functioning of government.
Ella and Paige are finishing their Junior year at Iroquois West High School. Ella is the daughter of Angela Lunt and Jeff Lunt. She is a Junior Member of the Danforth American Legion Auxiliary. Ella has been elected class secretary for her freshman, sophomore, and junior years. She is actively involved in several school organizations, including Spanish Club, Mentoring Club, Prom Committee, and Post Prom Committee. In addition, she is a member of the Iroquois West golf team. Ella is also recognized for her academic excellence as a High Honor Roll student.
Paige is the daughter of Kimberly Hall and Tyler Miller. Paige is active in many school activities including Varsity Golf, Scholastic Bowl, Marching Band, Jazz Band, Concert Band, Chamber Choir, Concert Choir, and theater. Paige is a member of the Spanish Club, Tri-M Music Honor Society, serves as the Vice-President of her class, and is the Drum Major of the Iroquois West Marching Band. Outside of school, Paige is a member of US Congresswoman Robin Kelly’s Youth Cabinet. She is also a part of Illinois State Senator Chris Balkema’s Youth Advisory Team. She has served as a page for Illinois State Representative Jason Bunting. She has most recently been accepted into Lt. Governor Julianna Stratton’s Girls Lead Program, a mentoring program which focuses on empowering young women in government. Paige will serve as a Junior Staff Member this summer at HOBY (Hugh O’Brien Youth Foundation) leadership seminar at Loyola University and served as the Sophomore ambassador from Iroquois West High School. She is also a member of the Danforth Blue Ribbon 4-H Club.
Americanism Essay Contest
The 2026 Department of Illinois Americanism Essay Contest winners representing Danforth American Legion Auxiliary this year are Shelby Chamness and Chloe Wagner.
The winning essays were forwarded to the District Auxiliary.
The title of the essay this year was “What Are The Core American Values?”
The purpose of this contest is to aid the schools of Illinois in the teaching of Americanism and Good Citizenship.
It is open to all students in grades 7-12.
Chloe, is a Senior at Iroquois West High School from Onarga and the daughter of Alicia and Calvin Wagner.
Shelby is an 8th grade student at Iroquois West Middle School and from Danforth. She is the daughter of Mike Chamness and Samantha Bramer.
Poppy Poster Contest
The purpose of this contest is to connect the visual image of the poppy with the sacrifice of service made by our veterans and to honor them. It is open to all students in grades 2-12.
Danforth American Legion Auxiliary Department of Illinois Poppy Poster Contest 2026 winners:
4th Grade- Daleyza Valadez of Gilman
Gavin Johnson of Gilman
5th Grade- Alexa Ramirez of Onarga
Skylar Poynter of Gilman
8th Grade- Drenah Schwickrath of Gilman
9th Grade- Atslan Alvarado of Gilman
Ariana Arias of Gilman
10th Grade- Orlando Diaz of Gilman
Jayden Rodriguez of Gilman
11th Grade- Owen Borders of Gilman
Ashly Francisco of Onarga
12th Grade- Leland Waselewski of Danforth
