Sixteen University of Wisconsin -Superior representatives traveled to Madison this week to attend Superior Days, a grassroots approach to politics during which mayors, students, business representatives and a variety of other Northwest Wisconsin citizens  bring local issues to the state’s capitol.

UWS Student Body President Logan Campa made the trip along with four other members of the Student Government Association. Campa says he chose to attend for a variety of reasons.  “It’s a good time for us to come down here to Madison and talk with the legislators about what issues are plaguing the Superior area and Northwestern Wisconsin in general.”

Campa is also looking to track down a UW-Superior alum who currently works in Madison. “I really want to meet up with Stephanie Hilton. She was a former president of the Student Body at UWS and I know she’s currently working for one of the legislators down here.”

Hilton, a 2003 UWS graduate, is currently working for State Representative Ann Hraychuck of the 28th district.  She says she regrets not attending Superior Days as a student. “Students should become involved in their community, even if they’re just going to school in Superior.”  Hilton added that Superior Days is “a hands-on crash course on how the legislature works. “

Students of Mary Tripp from both UWS and Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College are also attending the event. As part of their Public Relations courses, students were asked to pick an event or project they’d like to plan. Some students worked in pairs to coordinate a youth mentor training session and reception, a reception sponsored by Murphy Oil, and a 25th Anniversary Superior Days Parade of Products.

Other students took on projects of their own including a digital media plan, and media relations plan.  Student Zach Olson worked on the traditional Parade of Products display.

“It’s been a great experience already and it’s we’re only half way through. I can’t wait to see what else Superior Days has to offer,” said Olson.

Olson, a speech communications major, is ready to lobby.

“We helped educate the high school delegates today and it got me excited to meet the legislators and present the issues to them.”

Following a breakfast speech by Governor Jim Doyle, all Superior Days participants will lobby to groups of legislators on Wednesday to present the legislative issues.