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Sunday Update

The Learning Begins
This morning Boys State citizens awoke to begin their educational training. Citizens either attended Parliamentary Procedure class where they learned how to run meetings by participating in skits or attended Election Official Training. Both of these topic will come in handy as of first election will take place later today and our first organized meeting will be tomorrow.
After class all citizens were taken back to their cities so they could change into Class "A" uniforms for group city pictures. These pictures will be used to create a yearbook that each citizen will receive to commemorate their time at camp.

The Election Process & Try Outs
Well it sure didn't take long for those banners and signs to appear all over campus. Vote for "insert name here" Its only day two (2) here at Boys State we already heading into our first election. The cities have held caucuses to nominate their party candidates the ballots are being printed. Tonight Boys State goes to the polls to elect City Officials.
After lunch citizens had the opportunity to choose from a wide variety of activities. Try outs for the various sports teams were held with everyone hopefully making their chosen team. For others this was a time to prepare their essay or oration to try and winner a scholarship. The Boys State Band also resumed their tireless rehearsal schedule preparing for tonight's Memorial Service.

The Polls Open & In Memorial
Boys Staters went to the polls to elect their City Officials and the votes are being counted. We will soon have the results. Tomorrow these elected officials will form the City Council level of government, the first layer at Boys State. From here we will add on to our levels of government all the way to the State level. Just as one election ends the next one begins because tonight County Caucuses were held to nominate party nominees for office.
Tonight's assembly had a solemn tone to it. The title and theme was "Their Names Will Live For All Generations." Tom Johnson took the podium and explained that tonight we were to honor famous men. We listened to the words of Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and learned of his heritage. Then as united citizens we sang great battle cries freedom such as "My Country, 'Tis of Thee" & "The National Hymn". We also honored four (4) World War II veterans who still serve on the staff of Illinois Boys State.

This week has been great so far. The counselors have been great and friendly. Brody is a great sports Coach, and Cory still needs to cook us a meal, but they have been easygoing. Not only were the counselors were fun, but also the other Boys' State Citizens are fun and friendly. Savage is going to be a great county this year and Nooner is the best!! The learning part isn't horrible and all the topics have been presented in a professional fashion. The sports and activities have kept us busy, but that's half the fun. It's only going to get better.

Geoff ZuHone
Savage County
Nooner City

On my arrival at Illinois Premier Boys State I was nervous and unsure of what it would be like. I quickly realized that many different groups of great teenagers were going through the same feelings. After walking into my room and meeting my roommate for the first time, I quickly learned making friends would be easy. It wasn't long after the staff had finished explaining some of the activities we'd partake in this week that I began enjoying them. This amazing and fun week has only begun and I look forward to what is to come.

Mike Flores
Gazza City Attorney - Gleason County
Manteno High School - Manteno, Illinois
 
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