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Monday Evening Update
Another very memorable day of Boys State complete, and the heart of Boys State begins tonight. Now that citizens understand the program, tonight's assembly revolved our theme of "A Week That Shapes a Lifetime". Three former Boys Staters, including a 2010 graduate, a 1984 graduate, and 1989 graduate Representative John Bradley shared their retrospective of how Boys State changed their lives, how Boys State continues to shape their lives, and what Boys State can do for you if you get involved. President Emeritus Lou Hencken has also been influenced by the Boys State program, even though he was never a Boys Stater, but got to know the program because of his position at EIU when he was president. He now offers a class called Leadership 101...his way of saying thanks for influencing my life...giving the opportunity to Boys State citizens to further their leadership skills in a very active, non-lecture oriented class which begins tomorrow. With that, time for the Boys Staters to continue planning their state candidacies...time is short, and get at least some rest before another packed agenda tomorrow.

East Wing Model County
Kennedy
West Wing Model County
Savage
Overall Model County
Stelle

So far I have had an amazing time here at Illinois Boys State. At first, I was very nervous because I did not know pretty much anybody and I had no clue how any of the processes were carried out in the camp. Since the first day, I have made a lot of new friends and it has been great to get an awesome roommate. My counselors have been very easy going and easy to relate to, and they have helped make this one of the best summer experiences that I have had. Becoming elected as the Speaker of the House of Boys State is like a dream come true, and it makes me feel like I can reinvent myself. I have not always been the most outgoing person, but I already feel far more confident in my public speaking skills. I am really looking forward to the interview opportunity for Boys Nation and the opportunity for the Commander's Award. I know already that I will be taking many unforgettable memories away from this experience and hopefully I can come back one year as a counselor.

Rishi Chatterji
Nooner City
Savage County
Speaker of the House of Representatives
Barrington High School
Barrington, IL
 
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