Letters March 24

Incredible

I have lived in Dusty for almost 17 years, a tiny little town right in between the two wonderful towns of LaCrosse and Colfax. When I was younger, I enjoyed riding to LaCrosse with my dad to run farm errands, searching for eggs in the park during Easter, swimming in the pool during the summer, and afterward enjoying a frozen treat from the store. Living on the family farm in Dusty, I have enjoyed getting to know neighbors who are now close family friends.

While I may have a LaCrosse address, we are located in the Colfax School District.

It is there where I have learned from incredible teachers and have been able to participate in numerous activities, including the latest program this last weekend, Distinguished Young Women.

The difference with this activity was the fact that I was required to run as a candidate for LaCrosse because of my address.

The Colfax program was kind enough to let me compete alongside them since LaCrosse does not have a DYW program.

I am very grateful to have received such a warm welcome from the Colfax contestants and program coordinators as well as the community.

I had an incredible experience and the generosity of the towns that make up this great community that I am fortunate to live in is greatly appreciated.

I look forward to representing LaCrosse this August in the state DYW competition.

Lauren Claassen

Distinguished Young Woman of LaCrosse