Through the combined efforts of the Rathdrum American Legion Post 154, Lakeland High School Booster Club and Post Falls and Hayden Lake Eagles, 11 Lakeland-area young men will attend the American Legion Boys State program in Boise June 18-23.

Lakeland juniors who will participate are Ethan Abbott, Liam Bradford, Derrick Clement, Jeremiah Driscoll, Oliver Everett, Owen Forsman, Scott Glass, Raleigh Halgren, Gavin Lins and Kaden Roberts. Benjamin Simmons from North Idaho STEM Charter Academy will also participate.

This is the fourth year the Rathdrum American Legion has sponsored the program for local students from the northern part of Kootenai County to participate, as well as the largest.

"They're already all very accomplished and they've got great track records in school and participate in extracurriculars, many in sports, many are dual-enrolled students at North Idaho College and pursuing their high school studies," Len Crosby, financial officer for Post 154, said Wednesday. "We were honored we had so many accomplished young men apply for this."

A nationwide program, the American Legion founded Boys State in 1935 to offer high school juniors the opportunity to experience and participate in the operation of government.

During the weeklong program, participants will learn the rights, privileges and responsibilities of citizens and the role of elected officials at the local, county and state levels. They will participate in legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations and recreational programs. Participants will be assigned to mythical political parties and will work with others to select candidates, campaign and elect members at all levels of local and state government.

“They’re going to learn about the legislative process, they're gong to propose legislation, act as state legislators in some cases and will be elected to mock offices at the city, county and state level," Crosby said.

The top two reps will be sent to Washington, D.C., at the expense of the Legion and will be senators at the American Legion Boys Nation.

"I think it's an outstanding opportunity for these already accomplished young men to learn more about how government works, how important it is to be an informed citizen and understand better what our elected officials do and how they influence our lives," Crosby said.