Three local senior boys from the surrounding high schools will be headed to Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa next month for the 2019 American Legion Gem Boys State.

Representing Kellogg High School is Ethan Tomczyk, Andrew Fender from Silver Valley Christian Academy, and Mullan High School is sending Samuel Hess.

American Legion Boys State is among the most respected educational programs of government instruction 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 Gus Zoellner 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 Tom Sudal, the post's commander, and member Wayne Pennington for helping with interviews and the selection process.”

Vang would like to thank the foundations, businesses, and organizations who have made it possible for these boys to attend the conference, including Callahan Zeller Foundation, Wallace Lady Elks, Frank A. Morbeck Foundation, Walmart Foundation, 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, Stovern Supply, and DG&S Company.