The Vicksburg National Military Park is seeking 10 local students to assist the National Park Service in the sesquicentennial of the campaign and siege of Vicksburg.

The students will join the VNMP’s new Youth Leadership Academy and will participate in interactive workshops, field trips and dialogue with influential guest speakers to promote a general understanding of the NPS mission and important historical events that occurred in the area.

At the end of the program, the students will decide how to convey the importance and relevancy of the siege to their peers and the community.

Activities will include archeological exploration of sites in the park, touring NPS sites in the area and preserving the park’s artifacts and monuments.

Students in the ninth, 10th and 11th grades who have a passion for learning and history are encouraged to join. To be selected, students will submit essays or another form of artistic expression to answer one question, “A recent study conducted by the Pew Research Center suggested that most Americans believe the Civil War is still relevant to American politics and public life today. In what way do the events that occurred 150 years ago in our country continue to hold relevance in your life today?”

For information or an application to join the Youth Leadership Academy, contact Melissa Perez at Melissa_Perez@nps.gov or visit the website at www.nps.gov/vick/forkids