BRUNSWICK — The American Legion, the nation’s largest veterans organization, invites members of the Brunswick community to sponsor local young men and women who attend the American Legion’s Boys State and Girls State programs this summer.

Boys State is held at Thomas College in Waterville, and Girls State will be held at Husson University in Bangor.

“These young men and women are the future leaders of America,” said Jorge Maderal, commander of Brunswick’s George T. Files Post 20 in a press release. “We are seeking boys and girls with outstanding qualifications in character and leadership to attend what we believe is one of the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction ever designed for high school students.”

Every spring, high school juniors are selected to attend the program, which this year will run from June 17 to June 21 for boys; and June 17 to 22 for girls. In most cases, a sponsoring American Legion post, a local business or another community-based organization pays expenses associated with attending this program.

“It is a participatory program where each young delegate becomes part of the operation of his local, county and state government,” said Maderal. “I encourage the entire community — and in particular high school counselors, community leaders and business owners — to submit their recommendations for candidates to attend The American Legion Boys and Girls State programs.”

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

For more information about Boys State, contact the American Legion, Department of Maine at 873-3229, via email at legionme@mainelegion.org, or by visiting www.mainelegion.org or www.dirigoboysstate.org.

For information about Girls State, contact Nora Thombs at nthombs@myfairpoint.net or at 778-2215, or by visiting www.mainelegion.org/pages/auxiliary/aux-programs.php.

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