Two Whitnall Students Elected Mayors at Badger Boys State

The 71st session of the Badger Boys State youth leadership program elected 27 mayors Monday after a day of campaigning and debate.

Two of those mayors are from Whitnall High School: Connor Touhey and Jess Higgins.

This year 883 high school juniors are attending Badger Boys State and spending eight days learning about all aspects of Wisconsin’s city, county and state government. With the assistance of more than 100 volunteer counselors, staff, and numerous prominent speakers, the young men learn everything from operating efficient government offices, passing ordinances, balancing a budget, to amending the Badger Boys State constitution.

At the start of the program, Badger Boys State citizens are grouped into 27 cities. Each Badger Boys State city is named after a former Wisconsin Governor.

“Students who engage in the process early are able to maximize their learning opportunities and build lifelong friendships,” said Cole Brown, a city counselor from Scofield.

Monday also marked the start of Badger Boys State’s Schools of Instruction. The schools bring business professionals and community leaders to Ripon to teach the Badger Boys State citizens about careers in the fields of law, peace officer, leadership, public speaking, parliamentary procedure, public finance, and lobbying and campaign strategies, among others.

Tuesday’s session will focus on county government. To follow the week’s activities as they develop, including complete election results, please go to the Badger Boys State official website at badgerboysstate.com which is updated continuously throughout the day with high resolution pictures available on the website.

Greenfield's at Badger Boys State.