Katie Fitzsimmons and Haakon Schriefer represented Mineral Point High School at Badger Girls and Boys State this summer.

Badger Girls and Boys State are programs that teach students the inner workings of our government.

The girls met at UW-Oshkosh and the boys at Ripon College.

Upon arrival, they were grouped into cities and counties which formed a “51st state.” For eight days, the citizens of this “new state” carried out all the main functions of city, county, and state government using basic laws and fundamental procedures of the State of Wisconsin as their guide. The program is designed to teach its “citizens” that the American form of government is stronger and more vital in today’s world than ever before.

The students themselves elected their own municipal, county and state officials. As alderman or county supervisors, they framed, presented and passed their own ordinances and laws, while their own police and sheriffs enforced them. As attorneys, they prosecuted or defended. As judges, heard cases in their own courts. Through this program, these leaders of the future developed a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation.

These students were sponsored for this event by the Mineral Point American Legion and Ladies Auxiliary.