Mayor Jimmy Lunsford met with and congratulated five Charles Henderson High School junior boys for being chosen to attend the 66th Annual Alabama Boys State at the University of Montevallo June 1-7.

The mayor told Spencer Salmon, Daniel Porter, Ben Faulkinberry, Jordan Miller and Brett Pierce that he was proud they would be representing Troy at Boys State.

In order to go, the boys had to each find a sponsor to pay the $150 fee and meet certain requirements.

"They look at your community involvement, your reputation at school and you have to have good grades," Faulkinberry said.

Their sponsors need not fear their donation is wasted on this group of young people.

The boys are all well deserving of their trip to Montevallo because of their school involvement and academic standards.

Salmon plays soccer, runs cross-country, plays in the band and is in the Spanish Club and the National Honor Society.

Faulkinberry also plays in the band and on the soccer team and is a member of NHS.

In addition, he is also a member of Mu Alpha Theta and the Interact Club.

Like his two classmates, Porter is also in NHS and serves as its vice president.

He plays football, baseball, is the Student Government Association president, and is in the Interact Club, the Latin Club and the president of Mu Alpha Theta.

Pierce is also a member of NHS and the Latin Club and he plays with Porter on the CHHS baseball team.

Last, but not least, Miller is in band, NHS, Mu Alpha Theta and the Spanish Club.

Salmon and Porter are both sponsored by the Rotary Club, Faulkinberry is sponsored by Adventure Crew 41, Pierce is sponsored by the American Legion and Miller is sponsored by Ken Hendricks.

Although the boys are all excited about going, none of them is quite sure what to expect, other than a visit to the state capital toward the end of the week.

"We're just going to have to keep an open mind," Faulkinberry said.

Boys State is an American Legion program that teaches soon-to-be senior boys about government and how it works.

Girls attend a similar program called Girls State, which is sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary.

While there, the young men will have the opportunity to run for public office.

Those who are not elected will receive appointed positions.

"I think I'm going to run for governor," Porter said.

"You've gotta aim high."

After a run through of possible choices, Salmon picked the position of judge, Pierce expressed interest in being a sheriff and Miller though being a tax assessor sounded interesting.

"It'll be a new experience," Salmon said.

"It will open up a new set choices."

The choices may not be recognized immediately, but they will become clearer down the road, especially for Pierce and others like him who plan to major in political science.

"I think it will be good," Pierce said.

"I'm going to learn more about my intended major."

"This will help us plan our future," Porter added.