By Robert Batty | Chairman, Badger Boys State Board of Directors

Welcome to the 77th session of Badger Boys State. You have been selected to attend BBS by your teachers and counselors because you have demonstrated academic achievement coupled with leadership qualities that set you apart from other students. During the next week you will learn about the complexities of our form of republican government at the city, county and state levels. Your academic and leadership abilities will be challenged as you run for office and form governments at the local and state levels to create the 51st state in our union.

But BBS is so much more than just learning about our form of government and participating in its construction. During the next week you will meet and work with young men from all across the state of Wisconsin and you will form friendships that will last a lifetime.Totally immerse yourself in BBS. Learn all that you can, take an active role in your party’s caucuses and run for office —in short, put yourself out there, as the rewards to you are immense.

At the end of the week you will be disappointed that you must leave your new friends and return home; however, it is our hope that as a senior, you will share your new knowledge and leadership skills with your fellow high school students. You will forever be a Badger Boys Stater; be proud — you are a member of a very select group of individuals and your experiences as a BBS citizen will carry you throughout your life.