The American Legion is now accepting applications from candidates to attend to the 61st Annual American Legion Dirigo Boys State program. This exceptionally valuable program will be conducted at Thomas College in Waterville June 21-25.

The purpose of Boys State is to provide Maine high school juniors with the opportunity to participate in a hands-on action program that supplements their high school courses in government. In this program, young men role-play as they learn to campaign for local, county and state offices and then organize and carry out the functions of the state government.

Instructors for the program include town and city managers, selectmen, judges, attorneys, members of the Maine House of Representatives and Maine Senate, teachers, guidance counselors and others familiar with local, county and state government. Last year nearly 300 Maine high school juniors attended this outstanding program.

Delegates from recent Boys State were excited about their new friends, comradeship, sports, campaigning and winning an office. Everyone enjoyed meeting and working with the elected leaders of Maine. Parents attending the graduation were filled with pride and joy. They found it hard to believe what the boys accomplished in just five days.

Annually Boys State has a 40-50 piece band under the supervision of a qualified musical director. Band members must bring their own instrument to the program. A space is provided for this on the application.

Any junior who is interested in learning about town and state government qualifies for Boys State. Priority is given to attitude versus scholastic achievement, although both qualities are desirable. Involvement, interest and participation should be the main focus during the selection process.

Three scholarships are awarded at Boys State. Two of the scholarships are for $500 and the third, the Samsung Scholarship, is $1,000.

Answers to parent and student questions, plus the application, parental consent and medical authorization forms are available from local American Legion Posts or by contacting Roxanne Roy at the State Headquarters of The American Legion at 873-3229 or legionme@me.acadia.net. Additional information is available on the American Legion Web site at www.mainelegion.org. Deadline for submissions is May 15.