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It had pretty much everything he'd been looking for, so he decided to apply.

The application went out a few weeks ago. About two weeks later, he heard back from them.

He was in.

An e-mail informed Mark Legare, a sophomore at Bishop Feehan High School, Attleboro, that he had been accepted to Georgetown University's American Politics and Public Affairs summer school program. This eight-day program is for high school students who want to learn more about American politics and public affairs.

"I was really excited. It was really unexpected," Legare said. His parents and teachers are excited, too.

"He's a very deserving student," said Woody Murphy, Legare's American history teacher.

"It's almost like he's the source of information for the rest of the kids," Murphy said.

Learning how everything works in the nation's capital excites Legare.

Students participating in the program will meet with Capitol Hill staff, lobbyists, elected officials and policy makers.

"It's going to be great because it's during campaign season, so I get to see the backbone of how a campaign is run," Legare said.

According to the Georgetown Summer School Web site, students will participate in a "realistic campaign simulation," putting their classroom knowledge to the test.

Legare will fly from Providence to Washington.

He'll be participating at the Georgetown program July 20-27. He's still not quite sure how he's going to manage getting everything there without help.

He hopes this program will help him in his advanced placement U.S. History course next year. Legare's recommendation for the program was left to Murphy.

"He walked in one morning and asked if I could have something by the end of the day," Murphy said.

By the end of the day, Murphy had produced a hand-written recommendation, detailing Legare's aptitude for the subject.

"One of my favorite things to study is the Civil War," Legare said.

When Legare comes to class, Murphy said, he sits up straight and tall.

"He answers thoroughly the most difficult questions. It's like he relishes follow up questions," Murphy said.

"I love everything about politics," Legare said.

It's a good thing, because he's helping his parents foot the bill.

The program costs $1,700, including a room and meal plan.

The 16-year-old stays busy at school with mock trial, football, track, student council, campus ministry and the political society.

This summer, in addition to attending the program, Legare will work at a CVS.