My experience at Boys State so far has been awesome. I have learned more about how the government operates in the past three days than I have learned in school in my whole life. There is nothing like learning about government by practicing it. Boys State has provided me with an excellent platform to discuss and practice leadership skills. I have grown greatly these past few days and I can already tell it will have a huge impact on my life.  I have no regrets and would gladly come back.
Boys State will help you excel even if you are shy. I have made some great friends in the short period of time I have been here; winning the trust of my fellow citizens by being elected Clerk of the Senate was a tremendous feeling. The values of respect and good work ethic have been instilled in me and I look forward to the coming days.
Jordan Wood
2010 State Senate Clerk
Quincy Notre Dame High School
Quincy, IL