Vocal on Politics and News Hungry, Nicolet Student Chosen as Badger Boy

When he returns to for his senior year in fall, Jacob Frazer can tell his classmates that he followed in the foot steps of three Wisconsin governors, including Gov. Scott Walker, during his summer break. 

Frazer, 16, is one of 850 boys chosen for their leadership qualities to attend the 70th annual Badger Boys State, held June 11-18, at Ripon College.

"I have always been a vocal kid about politics," Frazer said. "Even in elementary school, I read the newspaper and stayed up to date on politics."

Badger Boys is a program that takes high school boys and teaches them the inner-workings of government by "doing." Instead of sitting in a classroom, reading a history book, the participants of the the eight-day conference learn about the American governmental system, politics and public policy through roll-playing exercises. They form a 51st state and decide how to run all of the main functions of city, county, and state government. Past graduates include current Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and former governors Scott McCallum and Martin Schreiber. 

But the conference isn't just a discussion assignment, these students elect officials, draft and legislate laws and create law enforcement mechanisms. Some even act as attorneys or judges in mock courts.

"I am excited to have a good experience and grow as a person," he said. "To be around kids that have the same interests as me will be a great experience."

Although Frazer is interested in politics and public policy, he tries to keep an open mind. "I think it is very important to have an unbiased education," he said. "I want to be able to learn the facts and be able to analyze them on my own … it's important to look at the facts and have an open mind."

Karen Schapiro, Frazer's mother, says he's very engaged in politics and sports, and extremely aware of public policies. Part of that drive originates at home, where politics and the news are common conversation.

"We are excited for him, and proud of him," Schapiro said. "Not only because he has the opportunity to do Badger Boys State, but also because he has the interest."

However Frazer's huger for politics isn't the only driving force for his extracurricular activities. He's also spearheaded an effort to bring back the Nicolet High School newspaper, the Knights Page. He now serves as editor in chief, and is also the founder and president of Nicolet Business Club, an active member of the cross-country team, and plays varsity soccer and hockey.

"Jacob Frazer is one of the most well-rounded young men I have ever met and I believe he will thoroughly enjoy his week at Badger Boys State and he will also learn a lot about people and government," said Rick Monroe, district administrator of Nicolet High School. 

Frazer won first place in the 2009 Nicolet Science Fair, in microbiology, and third place in the Badger State Science Fair. Frazer also tool first place in the Milwaukee Jewish Federation Holocaust Essay Competition.