Three juniors from Knoxville High School have been chosen to attend the American Legion’s annual Hawkeye Boys State, a week-long combination of summer camp and instruction into how government works.

Trent Walraven, Ethan Murra and Nash Linsley have been selected by the Knoxville American Legion Post on the recommendation of teachers and the strength of their applications. They will spend a week at Camp Dodge in Johnston, taking part in hands-on exercises which teach them about campaigns, elections and service while in office.

Conrad Nelson from the American Legion tells KNIA/KRLS News boys from across the state will find out up close things about governance they can’t learn in the classroom, as they spend their time going through a simulated electoral and government system.

“And the kids all get to run for a particular office, everything from the county sheriff all the way up to the Governor of the state,” Nelson says. “It’s all role-playing; so they have a good idea on how things really work.”

Boys State will run from June 9th through the 14th; out of all the boys assembled, two will be chosen to take part in American Legion Boys Nation later this year.