Meet George Maurer
He is a “Renaissance Man.” A 1983 Badger Boys Stater, George Maurer is a part of our Boys State staff. He is known as a superb jazz musician and writer, but he is also a poet, a determined bicyclist who has made bike trips all over the world, an environmentalist and an activist who sees the world through hopeful transforming eyes. I asked him two questions and here are his reflections.
How has BBS shaped your personal life?
“My family lived in three different states during my young life. Each time we moved, I’d say goodbye to friendships that had only just begun, to once again become that “new kid on the block”; this time in Sun Prairie, WI. Despite being ‘new’, I was chosen the next year to be a delegate to Badger Boys State. That experience of being one among 900 “new kids on the block” has taught me to shed shyness, focus on the uniques of being ‘from many places’ and to strive to perpetuate bonds of new friendships made ‘from miles around.’”
How has serving on staff helped you in your career?
“In the seconds it takes to walk on stage and get to a piano, I’ve already taken the ‘pulse’ of my audience; a technique practiced over many years as counselor and as performer.
”In concert in Berlin recently, I recognized the faces of two young BBS co-counselors, on semesters-abroad, listening intently to my music. Sitting next to them, also beaming and smiling, was a 90 year old woman who, as a young girl, had once been a member of Hitler’s Nazi Youth. Serving on staff has helped me appreciate the ironies of democracy, and to underscore its fragility.”
George Maurer is an important part of our Badger Boys State family. He will serve his 22nd year on staff this June.The Badger Boys State Alumni Association is an organization of former citizens and staff who promote, encourage, and support the Badger Boys State program and its alumni.
If you would prefer to write a check, you may mail it to:
Badger Boys State Alumni Association
Attn: Patrick Braatz – Treasurer
10209 E Lakeview Ave
Mesa, AZ 85209