A few months ago, I received a letter from a student in McLean, Virginia asking if I could help him with a project.

I immediately added his submission to Letters to the Editor because I thought it was a great idea for Illinoisans to send him artifacts or souvenirs of our state to help him and his class learn about Illinois.

Gus received an Illinois license plate, a Chicago Bears sticker, postcards, letters, pamphlets and more you can view in the photo Gus sent back.

He even sent a thank you letter thanking The Amboy News and The Mendota Reporter for running the letter and to you for sending him items.

From Gus:

Dear People of the Great State of Illinois,

Thank you so much for responding to my letter to the people of Illinois. I appreciate you for sending me food and lots of other things. My favorite item was the letters because I learned a lot about Illinois.

The most unique fact I learned about Illinois is, from the top of the Sears Tower you can see Lake Michigan on one side and Chicago on the other side.

On May 22, our entire grade displayed our floats at the state fair. I’ve included a picture of my float. I hope I made you proud.

I really appreciate that you took the time to send me items and information about Illinois.

Sincerely, Gus.

When I opened the letter, I beamed a proud smile.

It’s awesome he reached out to The Amboy News and other Illinois media for assistance and its even cooler Illinoisians took the time to help the young man with his project.

You definitely made this editor proud with your display. Good work Gus.

Hopefully, when he gets older, he comes to Illinois to see the state for himself.

We know how awesome a Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, Bears or Blackhawks game is, even when the teams are not good, but I’m sure Gus doesn’t.

Also, he mentioned the Sears Tower, actually the Willis Tower but I agree with Gus’ titling, and what you can see from the building. Talking or reading about it is one thing but going in the tower and looking out the window is a breathtaking experience, not just the first time but every time.

There are other sights in Chicago obviously, Navy Pier and the Taste of Chicago, but there is also greatness outside of the city.

I’ve been to Virginia. And believe it or not, I think Gus would think some parts of Illinois are similar to his state of Virginia.

The only aspect of his culture he will definitely not get in northern Illinois is the twangy accent. However, there is southern Illinois.

Come find out for yourself Gus.