With help from Legion, U.S. civics education returns to St. Regis

After a brief interlude, St. Regis Schools will now continue with the American Legion civic education testing that was once taught.

The Department of Montana sponsors the Americanism and Government Survey for High School Seniors and seventh and eighth grade students. Each year cash awards and plaques are presented to students who place in the local contest.

American Legion Post member John Cochran explained the idea behind the test.

“It’s questions like, who’s the President? And you wouldn’t believe the kind of answers you’ll get, like Mickey Mouse. And that reflects back on the teachers.”

The American Legion organization stated, “Our goal is to encourage Junior High, seventh and eighth grade and high school seniors to become aware of the nature of American History and the development of our Constitution, so they can begin to consider the responsibilities they will eventually assume as mature citizens.”

The Americanism test has 100 questions and it covers knowledge on state and federal government. The last time the program was in St. Regis School was six years ago when Earl Eisenbacher was the programs liaison. After his passing the school lost that connection with the legion and that’s why Legion member Scott Burrows wanted to get it going again.

Burrows mentioned, “We weren’t too familiar with the administration the past few years, or even who the social studies teacher was. Now that we are getting reacquainted, we hope to get these kids learning the importance of civics, history and government.”

Principal Shaun Ball was present as members of the Ray Welch American Legion Post 13 in St. Regis delivered new flags to the school to be put on display.

Ball said, “We really appreciate this gesture and we look forward to working with the Legion again.”