GULF SHORES, Ala. — Selected high school juniors get ready to participate in an annual government education program.

The 72d annual Alabama Boys State is set for May 31 through June 6 at the University of Alabama.

This week-long program is sponsored and conducted by the American Legion.

This unique summertime program emphasizes participation and personal experience in a model state, complete with its governing bodies and elected officials.

It is designed to supplement the information taught in high school civic classes. Members of local American Legion Posts work with high school administrators to select the most outstanding high school juniors to attend the 2009 session.

Upon arrival at Boys State, each youth is registered and assigned to a political party, a city and a county. The citizens of each city and county nominate members of their parties to be candidates for various city and county offices. Elections are held, with the citizens conducting their own registration of voters and the actual balloting. The students will set up their own state government, draft bills and conduct them through the legislative process.

Students will also meet and hear from many of our current elected officials.

Attorneys, judges, high school and college teachers and coaches, and public office-holders work with the boys.

Two outstanding students of Alabama’s Boys State will be selected to attend Boys Nation, sponsored by the national organization of the American Legion, to be held in Washington, D.C. later in the summer. Scholarship opportunities are also available to Boys State participants.

Although the entire week is funded by The American Legion, many local posts look for financial assistance from local businesses and individuals to help fund the $150 per student registration fee.

Contact your local American Legion Post if you have questions about the Boys State program, or if you would like to sponsor a student to participate. Wayne Stacey, the Baldwin County American Legion Commander and coordinator for Gulf Shores American Legion Post 44 Boys State activities, may also be contacted at 251-968-2693 or via e-mail at legionpost44@gulftel.com.

Baldwin County American Legion Posts are located in Gulf Shores, Foley, Lillian, Fairhope and Bay Minette.