The U.S. will gain a 51st state next week when more than 750 high school girls from across Wisconsin gather for the 65th-annual Badger Girls State (BGS) program.

Participants will learn about the structure of city, state and national government as well as what is expected of elected officials by inventing a mythical, new state. Organized by the American Legion Auxiliary, the nonpartisan, nonpolitical program will be held June 15-20 at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh.

Shirley Abrahamson, Wisconsin Supreme Court chief justice, will issue the oath of office to the newly elected BSG constitutional officers, representatives and senators at the opening convocation at 1:30 p.m. June 15 at Albee Hall, 776 Algoma Blvd.

Badger State delegates, who represent more than 380 Wisconsin high schools, will have the opportunity participate in activities such as journalism, parliamentary procedure, chorus, band, multimedia study and the State Fair talent show. They also receive instruction in flag etiquette and citizenship responsibilities.

Delegates must rank in the upper half of their classes, have leadership qualities and be interested in government. They are selected with the cooperation of the local American Legion Auxiliary units and high school personnel.

At the end of the week, two delegates will be chosen to be senators at Girl Nation in Washington, D.C., where they along with 96 delegates from the other 49 states, will learn about national government at Capitol Hill and the White House.

For more information about Badger State Girls, contact Jeannine Conradt, American Legion Auxiliary, at (920) 986-3800, or visit www.badgergirlsstate.org.