MARSHALL - With the plethora of activities available to participate in while at the 2011 American Legion Minnesota Boys State at Southwest Minnesota State University, the soon-to-be high school seniors are likely taking a variety of experiences and memories home with them after the week-long experience.
"It's been an incredible experience," said Andrew Miller, Russell-Tyler-Ruthton student. "I'll take a better understanding of politics with me. I came in here not thinking too much of politics. But now I'm kind of enjoying it. I may go into a political career, or I might not. I'm still undecided. But I never would have thought of it before this. I'm glad I came here."
Miller was one of several area participants to make their way up the political ladder, landing in the House of Representatives. Along with Marshall's Grant VanKeulen and Josh Kerkaert, Dawson/Boyd's Michael Bothun, Tracy-Milroy-Balaton's Tyler Edwards and Minneota's Lee Bot were elected to the House, while Addison Gaines of Marshall successfully ran for the Senate.
"I ran for city council and got that," Bot said. "I was a delegate to the county and state convention and then voted into the House of Representatives. I wanted to stay involved so that I would have fun here. So far, it's been good. But I've learned I do not want to be a politician. I've learned a lot of leadership skills, though, and I think I've become a better speaker."
Miller said he didn't really know much about Boys State before attending the program.
"It's really cool all the stuff they do here," he said. "I didn't expect this. It's really well-organized and I'm really impressed with the entire thing."
Miller also enjoyed the two-hour recreation time every day, choosing to play basketball over volleyball, softball or swimming.
"We had a blast," said Miller, who is one of the "Duluth" residents. "We've only had one loss. And, I made a lot of friends here."
Bot didn't seem to mind that his "Anoka" basketball team hadn't won a game yet.
"It's still fun," Bot said. "And, I didn't come here to play hardcore basketball."
Organizer Bill Zweiner has been the athletic director at Boys State for 61 years.
"About 95 percent of the kids participate in the athletics," he said. "It's more of an outlet, but one city will end up winning. Each one of the boys will get to take home a medal. The kids enjoy it and are good sports. They umpire their own games."
Other Boys Staters have chosen be part of the newspaper staff or participate in the band or choir.
"Not everyone is an athlete, so this gives another dimension," said Brad Brandt, choir director for the past 38 years. "They can do their athletic thing and they can have the extra added experience of singing in a mens group. Many high schools don't have a mens choir."
Every Friday night during Boys State week, a spectacular concert is given.
"It takes commitment to do it," Brandt said. "We hope that it will be a good experience for them. I have a passion for the program and enjoy doing it."
Along with Murray County Central's Logan Boese and Marshall's Eli Louwagie, Edwards is involved in the 57-member choir.
"It's been going pretty good," Edwards said. "We're going to be singing a couple of patriotic songs and some that are just a lot of fun."
Including Lakeview's Noah Dovre, Louwagie, Kerkaert and Gaines, 64 Boys Staters made up the 2011 band, which is directed by John Ginocchio and Matt Verkuilen.
