6-12-13 badger boys state

The 72^nd session of Badger Boys state began this past weekend in Ripon.  The annual week-long program of the American Legion Department of Wisconsin brings together hundreds of high school seniors to create a 51^st state known as Badger Boys State.  Badger Boys State Director, Fred Berns, says the youth leadership program is designed to educate students about American citizenship, largely by having the students participate in the process.  Just like any state, Berns says students develop their own party platforms, pass local ordinances and utilize a state patrol and judicial system.  They can also participate in sporting events, band, choir and write for the Badger Bugle Citizen.  Since the programs start in 1939, more than 63,000 students have participated in the event.  Some more well known individuals include Governor Scott Walker, Congressman Tom Petri, and jazz singer Al Jarreau.