American Legion Post 6 in Clanton is sponsoring a pair of students to take part in Alabama Boys and Girls State.

The American Legion will sponsor Andrew Liveoak of Chilton County High School and Taylor Richards of Chilton Christian Academy.

The program allows high school juniors to be selected throughout the state and looks to develop leadership skills while teaching about the inner workings of the United States system of government.

According to the Alabama Boys State website, the program is held under the belief that there is no better way to assure the survival of the United States republic than to train the young people of the ideals and objectives.

“When a lot of colleges look at a kid’s resume, it is a big plus to have,” Jerry Grooms with American Legion Post 6 said. “It is well worth it.”

The selection process is very exclusive and can vary depending on the school.

According to Grooms, Chilton County High School required all interested students to write an essay to aid in the selection.

A donation is made by American Legion Post 6 that helps pay for both students to attend the program, as well as the opportunity to be honored during the American Legion’s Christmas dinner.

“They talk about what the process was like and what all it entailed,” Grooms said.

The program is a week long with the Boys State being held May 29 to June 4 and Girls State to follow from June 5-10.

Both programs will take place on the University of Alabama campus.