OSBURN — This past weekend, five seniors from two of the local high schools headed down to Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa for the 2018 American Legion Gem Boys State.

Kellogg High School is being represented by Grant Turner, and Wallace High School is sending Tommy Schiller, John Webb, Jeremiah Evans and Logan Leeling.

American Legion Boys State is among the most respected government instruction educational programs for high school students.

Each participant becomes a part of the operation of his local, county and state government.

Boys State has been a program of The American Legion since 1935.

At American Legion Boys State, participants are exposed to the rights and privileges, the duties and the responsibilities of a franchised citizen.

The training is objective and practical with city, county and state governments operated by the students elected to the various offices.

Activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, chorus and recreational programs.

High school juniors are selected by local American Legion Posts to attend the program.

In most cases, expenses associated with attending this program are paid by a sponsoring American Legion Post, a local business or another community-based organization.

“Each year the local American Legion Post No. 36 is proud to sponsor high school junior boys to attend American Legion Gem Boys State,” said Ed Vang. “We wouldn’t be able to do this without the generous donations from local foundations, businesses and organizations. I would also like to thank Darrell Grimes, the post's chaplain, and member Wayne Pennington for helping with interviews and the selection process.”

Vang would like to thank the businesses who have made it to where these boys can attend the conference at no cost to them at all, including Callahan Zeller Foundation, Wallace Lady Elks, Frank A. Morbeck Foundation, Walmart Foundation, Dave Smith Motors, Rotary Club of Wallace, Wallace Gyro, Loving Care and More, Waters Garbage, Kiwanis Club of Silver Valley, Kellogg Booster Club, Inc., SVL Analytical, Inc., Catholic Daughters and DG&S Company.