Bio: Frost Renae – Experience at Badger Girls State (1976)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Frost, Lato

---------Source: Owen Enterprise (Owen, Clark County, Wis.) 07 Jul 1976

Hats off to the American Legion for their interest and involvement in Badger Girls State. I have just returned from a very exciting and educational experience. I spent one week at Badger Girls State government program in Madison at the University of Wisconsin. After registration on June 12, I thought I would get lost in the maze of 608 girls from high schools all over Wisconsin, but we seemed to become a community, just as our theme for the week states:
“We are a community…
Together we commemorate the past
Celebrate the present
Commit ourselves to the future.”

It’s hard to believe all the things that go into our democratic government. Each girl, upon arrival, was given a city, county, and political party of which they belong to.

I was a member of Birch County of Fairchild, and the Federalist Party. The Federalist and Nationalist parties are similar to our Democratic and Republican parties.

We at Badger Girls State learned the way our government works from local to state. We created our own democratic government, elected our own city, country and state officials. We went through the nominations, campaigning, voting and installation of elected officials, just as we do in our own government.

I was elected county sheriff, where I learned the duties of the office.

The week included lectures, tours, legislative sessions, award of certificates, and the meeting of new friends.

Although there were many lectures and much to do and remember, one thing impressed me. At a lecture I learned that Wisconsin is the 5th highest state in education standards. I think we should be proud of this, for education affects everyone’s life.

On Wednesday evening we had inauguration of our state officials. After it a reception was held with Representatives and Senators of our legislature. Representative Stanley Lato of our district was present.

The last night of our stay I was involved in a band concert directed by the Assistant Director of the University of Wisconsin Band. After the concert we had a program on the Bill of Rights. It was very impressive.

Saturday we spent at our state capital in our own Badger State Legislature, it was also the time to bid farewell to fond memories and friends we had made.

Thanks to the Van Huesen and Fritz Auxiliary for sending me, and the Owen-Withee administration and faculty for selecting me.

Renae Frost.