Mon-row: floor nine floor sketch

Floor nine otherwise called “Monroe” was known for their main cheer '1,2,3,4.' Not only are they “One and a Minion”, but the floor will be remembered for their energy and great friendships.

Monroe’s counselors were senior counselor Michelle, middle counselor Jordanna and junior counselor Kelsey. According to the girls, the counselors were really into Girls State and make it a fun experience. The life-long friendships on Monroe started as soon as the elevator doors opened. 

“The first night everyone really got along. We realized that we all have diversities, but we really understand each other and come together as not only a floor, but really good friends,” Madison Schlake said. 

Delegate Rebecca Brenner also had positive things to say about Monroe. “We all have really good roommates, we all hang out together and laugh.” 

Brenner said that she also enjoyed campaigning and all of the leadership that took place in Monroe.

Monroe is full of learning, leadership, and the beginning of friendships that will last a life time. 

By: Sadie Petersen

We were here, we were there, we’ve been everywhere: places of interest

Lincoln is the capital of our beautiful state of Nebraska. Groups from Girls State have been fortunate enough to tour points of interest in our capital. Delegates have learned about the fossils and relics at Morrill Hall and been given a wonderful tour of Memorial Stadium. 

    Walking into Morrill Hall the first thing you notice is Titanoboa--fossil of the largest snake ever discovered. The snake is estimated to be 60 million years old. The fossil itself measured 48 feet long and weighed almost 2,500 pounds. Many of the delegates took advantage of the chance to take a 'selfie' with the ancient monster. On the lower level a few delegates posed with a few zebras, on the top level delegates took advantage of the chance stand under dinosaurs.

    Delegates walked around the outside of Memorial Stadium before entering next to the Tom Osborne statue. As they walked into the lobby, their eyes were drawn to the second largest waterfall in the United States. Delegates walked down the hallway leading to where players ran onto the field, doing the all famous Tunnel Walk. Entering the stadium delegates claimed that the empty stadium was extremely eerie. One delegate said “Seeing Memorial Stadium empty is completely unimaginable after you been to games.” After being on the field delegates exited through on the of many gates open on game day.

    The Places of Interest tours opened many eyes to the great things our capital has to offer. Delegates enjoyed themselves and got a chance to meet other delegates that weren’t on their floor. Many said they would recommend the Places of Interest tours to future delegates and were happy they got the chance to see a few jewels of Lincoln. 

By: Makala Reeves

Nationalist convention sparks friendships

Nationalists are enthusiastic, intellectual and confident in their opinions. As the party debated their platforms and elected head officials, excitement swirled through the air and unity flourished. 

Many motivated citizens, specifically those who had ever heard the phrase “parliamentary procedure” before, put themselves forward and ran for the positions of State Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and Secretary-Treasurer. During a short “about-me” introduction, each nominee revealed their unique qualifications and dedication to the party. Anne Greff, Jefferson, was voted as President of the Convention, with Abigail Allen of Clinton as Vice President and Emily Blunck of Bush as Secretary-Treasurer.

“I enjoy leading and being active in politics,” Chairperson Greff said. She lead the party deflty through parliamentary procedure and thoughtful discussion. Debate over the topics of veteran health care, agriculture, natural resources and renewable energy was ended quickly with compromise and the unification of ideals. However, mention of foster care reform and standardized testing arose, dissenting opinions were unveiled. Both issues are relevant and applicable topics to many teenage lives. The party presented many unexpected and practical comments to ponder regarding the subjects.

Once debates simmered and the Nationalists reviewed their platform, it became evident that friendships had formed and the party members could look forward to an inspiring and impacting week. 

“[The Nationalist party members] were willing to work together and came up with a lot of good ideas,” Vice Chairperson Allen said. 

The slogan “One Party. One Nation. One World.” quickly implanted itself in the hearts of Nationalists, and that spirit will continue long after the party convention and graduation from Girls State.

By: Sarah Mullen

Strong majority: floor two profile

 The city of Reagan has been in full swing since the new citizens of 2014 Cornhusker Girls State arrived. Monday floor two citizens were faced with their first town problem. The challenge Reagan faced together as a town dealt with the run-down, historic courthouse in Valentine and making it handicap accessible. Many ideas were tossed around and discussed among the group and by working together delegates found the best solution for Valentine's needs. 

 

            Tuesday in the Union ballroom, results were announced for county, non-partisan and state primary election. Citizens of Reagan were in full force, representing Brown-Park County. Thirteen delegates proudly represented floor two in county, non-partisan and state positions in the general election. Nine of those 13 girls won the general election Wednesday and proudly took their positions in state and county government. 

Sadie Vargas, a resident of Reagan, said, “Honestly I wasn’t surprised because we have great and outgoing girls on our floor with a huge support system behind them.” 

By: Claire Moore

Counselor and staff profile sketches: part four

Gayla Schmid

Girls State Advisory Committee Member

Number of years involved in Girls State: Six.

Reason she’s involved in Girls State: “I’ve always been interested in youth programs and one year the President asked me to do it, so I became involved.”

Favorite part about Girls State: The girls and the knowledge they possess.

Advice: “Keep smiling--the greatest thing you can do is keep a positive attitude.”

Cydney Volker

Senior Counselor, City of Adams (Sixth Floor)

Number of years involved in Girls State: Six.

Reason she’s involved in Girls State: “I was the alternate to go to Girls State, but one year my roommate, who had gone to Girls State, asked if I would help as a counselor because they needed more help.”

Favorite part about Girls State: Meeting the counselors and the new girls.

Advice: “Enjoy senior year! Remember to tell everyone Girls State is awesome!”

Kaylee Dump

Middle Counselor, City of Bush (Third Floor)

Number of years involved in Girls State: Three.

Reason she’s involved in Girls State: Loved Girls State when she went as a delegate in 2009.

Favorite part about Girls State: “Watching the girls learn and open up to meeting new people.”

Advice: “Be open minded. It’s a scary experience, but it’s worth it. Come out of your comfort zone and enjoy the experience.”

Sapphire Andersen

Junior Counselor, City of Madison (Eighth Floor)

Number of years involved in Girls State: One.

Reason she’s involved in Girls State: “I loved the year I was there in 2012; my counselor inspired me to come back. I wanted to connect with the girls like she did.”

Favorite part about Girls State: “Seeing creative campaigning and connecting with girls.”

Advice: “You get out what you put in. Don’t be afraid about meeting new girls. Be yourself!”

County line: Brown Park county

Campaigning had been competitive all week. With girls screaming their slogans, throwing candy and even dressing up in costumes it created a fun filled night. Although, campaigning can be very competitive it is also an exciting reason to meet new people. Brown-Park county consisted of some amazing and talented citizens. The delegates were all on different floors, but they worked well together. Being located in Sandoz Hall, the citizens get more than our daily walk in. Many of the sessions were held at The Union. While many delegates started day three off early with blistered feet and barely any sleep, they voted for their county officials on Tuesday.

            The campaign aftermath littered the floor with candy and poster board. Brown Park delegates took the initiative to clean and remove the trash. Working together, the county accomplished reestablishing a clean and healthy environment. The counselors often remind the delegates to be “classy, not trashy”. Brown-Park county stuck to this by keeping the area “classy”.

            Th general election was a success. All floors represented well not only with county, but also with the state. Citizens were asked how they were successful at campaigning, many citizens said by keeping it simple. All citizens had long days and were tired by the time campaigning came around. By keeping the campaign simple many citizens were able to focus on the candidate.

            Although, all delegates are leaders, Brown-Park county consists of many diverse personalities. Delegates worked together to become a great county by using their strength to make the county a better place. All the diverse personalities were a great experience for everyone to work with and learn about. Four floors created a bond as a county that will never be broken. 

ByL By: Kelsie Kaster

Couselor and staff profile sketches: part three

                                                                                                          

Annette Gloystein- Senior Counselor

·         Living on the Eight Floor (Madison) this week.

·         Has been helping out with Girls’ State for 12 years

·         From Exeter

·         Self-employed

·         Member of Exeter’s school board

·         Her jobs at Girls’ State includes; supervising, keeping things moving, making sure the delegates are on time.

·         Decorates cakes

Jordanna Glock- Middle Counselor

·         Living on the Ninth Floor (Monroe) this week.
·         Has a little brother at Boys’ State this year, who she plans to embarrass by the end of the week
·         Responsible for making sure the girls are having fun
·         A student at the University of Nebraska at Kearney
·         Gives tours at her college
·         Works as a Certified Nursing Assistant
·         Does a lot of student research
·         From Rising City
·         Has been helping out with Girl’s State for two years
·         Helps the delegates on her floor with voting and filing

Jessica Svehla- Junior Counselor

·         Living on the Second Floor (Reagan) this week
·         Returned to Girls’ State to help out for two years
·         Attends the University of Nebraska
·         Interested in Interior Design
·         She has compressed her spine jumping the wake while wake boarding
·         Helps lead the delegates to their different sessions
·         Works for a wedding planner
·         From Lincoln
·         Helps the delegates get to know each other, and watches for appropriate clothing
·         Works at Memorial Stadium

Virgina Nelsen- Staff Member

·         Living on the Sixth Floor (Adams) this week
·         Originally from New Jersey
·         She is the education director here at Girls’ State
·         Has been involved with Girls’ State since 1999
·         She is a Teachers Aid for K-5
·         Loves the history about the Revolutionary War
·         Writes and grades tests for the delegates here at Girls’ State
·         Adds and subtracts points for the different floors
·         Currently living in Valentine
·         Interested in the history of our country

   By: Drew Purviance

Where the star shines: blue star banners decorate doors

During World War I, army Captain Robert L. Queissered patented a flag in honor of his two sons serving front line in 1917. This flag was named the Blue Star Banner. During World War II, the flag was put under strict guidelines, some of which including manufacturing. The guidelines address who could hang the flag or wear the lapel button.  

The blue star in the middle represents an immediate family member in the service. The banners can hold up to five stars. In the happenstance that a loved one should pass, a small gold star is placed over the blue star. In the event of multiple service members passing, the gold stars will be placed on the top right of the flag. Many people today hang the flags in the window of their homes to show support of their loved one in the service. 

Delegate Citlali Peña of eighth floor Madison, has a Blue Star Banner on her door. She has it to honor her brother, a marine of four years. 

“A friend at his high school told him he should try it out,” Peña.

Shortly after he signed up, he went to Basic Training in California. After three months, Peña remembers him coming home and he had fallen in love with the Marines. Four years later, he is serving in the Marines and attending college in South Carolina.

By: Holly Potosnyak

Citizens who are heard: fourth floor profile

Many floors have been silent until they interacted with one another, like talking to their roommate or at their first town meeting. Floor Four of Clinton had no trouble at all. If one roommate arrived without the other the first would wait for them and greet them with big smiles. Delegates congregated in the lobby after everyone had unpacked. It started out with simple questions such as 'What’s your name?', 'Where are you from?' and 'What room are you?' These may seem like simple questions, but it did not stop there. Conversations delved into each others lives immediately. Citizens learned about all the members on their floor. Clinton is just one big, happy family and love to be heard cheering and laughing--whether or not the time is right.

The first round of whistle stop campaigns was a success on fourth floor. All city office candidates went door-to-door to state why they should be elected to the office of their choice. The citizens asked many questions and were ready and poised on their beds, waiting for the candidates. A frequently asked question was “What will you do for our community?”. Many of the delegates were indecisive, but after given time to think many said that they would offer help to their all unfortunate citizens and community improvements such as beautifying and community service. 

The citizens also used may different strategies when campaigning. Faith Johnson had a different look on her campaign strategies; she was on the run and stopped by each citizen’s room at least three times. Julie Schinder used the strategy of constant reminders. She put all kinds of reminders around the floor, from sticking signs on all the doors to putting large signs on walls surrounded by tiny signs with her name plastered all over them. Faith Johnson won the Mayor position and Julie Schinder won a spot on the city council.

Floor Four are the citizens to be heard. The delegates who ran for city offices were very well prepared,  even though they were short on time.

By: Sydney Boden

What the ALA is: a short history

What is American Legion Auxiliary really? The ALA was founded in 1919, and is now one of the largest women’s patriotic service organization. During the Cornhusker Girls State JoAnn Ward, Department President, gave the true reason for the ALA.

“The ALA’s mission is to support the American Legion and honor those who have sacrificed by enhancing the lives of veterans, military, and their families,” Ward said.

The ALA gives to the community and recognizes the sacrifices our military forces have given to keep our country free. There are currently 800,000 members in the ALA, which are separated into units, divisions, and departments. There are 9,000 units, 52 departments, and five divisions. The departments are more described as states.

“For God and country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security.”

By: Megan Murdoch  

The Adams Family: sixth floor profile

Up on the sixth floor of Sandoz rises the city of Adams. The tight knit group has excelled by forming quick relationships with each other. The citizens were not scared to voice their opinions in the largely accepting group on their floor. This was recognized in the first official town meeting, which included the elected city officials. The city council worked together with the mayor and other town citizens to solve their first problem: a recreational pond which was filling up with sand. The town had to work together to come up with a solution which all the delegates agreed on.   

 

During the meeting the delegates of Adams worked together well and kept on task. Discussion was moderated by mayor Lauren Sprinkle and the city council members also provided helpful, adequate information to keep the conversations constructive.  

“We all came up with new and interesting ideas on how to solve the problems. We were able to provide different perspectives and keep our comments and interactions respectful,” commented delegate Natasha Anderson. 

Adams looks forward to improving their relationships and continuing their journey on the road to a hopeful trophy victory. 

By: Whitney Rosno

Out with the old, in with the new: CGS buys new ceremony flags

At every Cornhusker Girls State session it is a tradition to honor our nation’s flag along with our American Legion Auxiliary flag by singing the National Anthem and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. The flags previously used were donated by a past department president in 1938 making the flags about 60 years old.

The condition of these aged flags were quite tacky. “We just decided last year that it was about time to get some new flags,” said Roxanne Hiatt, advisory committee chairman. “They were discolored, the edges were fraying and the poles were mismatched. Not to mention the leather tab on top was broken so we had to tie the fray around to try to hold them up,” stated Hiatt

Each year the staff was doing everything they could to the flags just to make it through one more year. At first, everyone was hesitant to agree with the fact that CGS did indeed need new flags. Understandably so for some of the older members who were used to condition of the flags.

In January, the CGS advisory committee had a chance to sit down and check out the flags. Taking a little closer look, it became quite obvious the time was now to ask for an update. In order to hopefully receive these new flags, there was a pretty simple process--asking headquarters. What happened next was up to them. 

“We just asked headquarters to add new flags to the donations list. The units this year sent in well over enough money. So in conclusion, we were able to get them,” Hiatt said.

The ordering and designing process was done entirely online. And as with anything sometimes things don’t line up or end up not quite what was imagined. When the flags arrived, they were not what they were expected. The straight borders of Nebraska came back pixelated and blurry. The company was very compliant and sent replacements right away. The 2014 flag bearers will be the first of many delegates to carry the new flags up and down the aisles.

By: Alyssa Ehlers

Federalists elect leaders, affirm platform

When it comes to knowing what to do with what you have, Cornhusker Girls State Federalists understand how to make the best of any situation. This was proven true by the 2014 Federalist motto: We didn’t choose the Fed life, the Fed life chose us. In accordance with the motto, seven Girls State delegates were voted by their Federalist peers into office.

    Led by Federalist advisor and temporary chairperson Heidi Kaschke, the Federalist delegates opened the convention in the Union Ballroom and elected their fellow Federalist officials. Bethany Vinton of Brown-Park County represented the fifth floor and the city of Clinton by being named Federalist State Chairperson. 

Vinton said she qualified for the position of state chairperson because she is currently the president of the parliamentary procedure group at her high school and has served in various positions. Under the direction of Vinton, the elections and volunteerings of vice chairperson, secretary-treasurer and platform committee followed.

    The convention continued by discussing a myriad of platforms. Delegates spoke passionately about their beliefs and decided on affirming three platforms: lowering the majority age to 18, allowing teachers to have conceal and carry licenses and ballistics in school and requiring high schools to allow driver’s education as an elective class.

    Other platforms discussed, but not approved, were the legalization of recreational and medicinal marijuana and the repeal of the government’s power to seize private land for corporal use by means of eminent domain.

    Debates concluded with the presentation of the Federalist emblem. The emblem consisted of Rosie the Riveter rendition with stars and the Federalist motto surrounding her. The thirteen Federalist candidates then for governor introduced themselves to their party, giving their name, hometown, Girls State city and the convention was called to adjourn. 

By: Allegra Hardin

Face Off: Senate candidates debate

   

Girls State and Boys State had a joint session at 8:00 pm at the Kimball Recital Hall on Monday, where delegates watched a debate between two Nebraskans who are running for the Senate. The Republican candidate is Ben Sasse and the Democrat candidate is Dave Domina. 

Both candidates participated in Boys State when they were in high school. Both say the promises they make will be what they want to accomplish and they will fulfill all promises and not just let them be empty.

Sasse believes we need to leave the country the same way we received it. Sasse said we can accomplish this through hard work and we can achieve anything we are set out to do.

Domina has been a major influence over the people in our state. He helped with many issues and wrote many new bills that have helped Nebraska. Domina wants to push back cooperative laws to help Nebraskans and build together.

The two delegates gave their views to questions posed by Boys and Girls State delegates. The topics encompassed a broad set of ideas. Both candidates answered seven questions in total.

One question asked about the lack of privacy for security needs. Domina was very against drones and the NSA. He brought up the fourth amendment, which prohibits unreasonable searches by the government. Domina said that we elect the people we want to represent us. Sasse was not as opposed to the lack of privacy because in his opinion there are a lot of bad guys out in the world. The government's job is to protect us, but they need to have a real reason to be going through our private information.

The next hot button issue was the legalization of same-sex marriage and marijuana. Sasse and Domina said these matters should be dealt with at a local or state level. Sasse's thoughts on same-sex marriage were based on the definition of marriage by the state and what will be best for the children. Sasse firmly believes the matter of marijuana is to be dealt at the state level. Domina stated the definition of marriage and children are raised just as well in homes with two parents of any orientation or single parents as they are with two parents of opposite sex. Domina says that the government needs to fix the glitch in the law concerning marijuana.

The final issue focused on military action that the government is taking. Domina stated we need to follow the seven principles of war. The government needs to weigh the outcome for success and the outcome for defeat. Domina said we need to honor treaties we have agreed to. Sasse said the government needs to protect its citizens from major threats. Sasse said that the United States needs to be very cautious of who we give our word to, but if we give our word that we will stand by our word.

By: Vanessa Knutson

And the winner is: state election results

Elected state officials for Cornhusker Girls State 2014. Congratulations to all the elected.

GOVERNOR: Abigail Allen

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR: Emily Kay

SECRETARY OF STATE: McKenna Powell

STATE TREASUER: Tymber Long

STATE AUDITOR: Katelyn Pohlmann

STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL: Elsa Knight

PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSIONERS: Ashley Groves, Carissa Carlin, Emily Puls, Phoebe Eichhorst and Ashley Glesinger

New mayor of Jefferson mediates problems

It was initially about ‘getting to know the girls’ for recently elected Jefferson mayor Ria Pedersen. Pedersen knew before arriving on the seventh floor town she would not pursue a position at the county or state level.

“I knew that I wanted to stay on the city level so that way I could get to know the girls a lot better on a personal level,” Pedersen said.

Pedersen’s reasoning was only exemplified in the way she campaigned. Instead of throwing candy in other citizens’ faces she had one-on-one talks, explained why she was running and made sure she answered any questions to make a good impression and then “go from there.”

“[I told them]…‘this is me—this is what I’m running for,’” she said.

Although, her hope to know her fellow citizens was a justifiable reason to apply for mayor everything was not smooth sailing. Two other girls applied for the position as well so the competition among the girls could have been anyone’s win for the taking.

Despite this, Pedersen kept her confidence level up.  She remembered she was involved in numerous activities at her high school which required leadership roles. Pedersen knew she could run meetings and was comfortable in doing the campaign.

“I’ve always been a bubbly, outgoing type of person,” said Pedersen. The difference to her, however, did come with how fast the process moved.

“It was—get on the floor, decide what to do, decide what you want to do. It was fast and furious, but at the same time really fun.”

After winning the campaign, Pedersen had to deal with the first issue for the city the night after being appointed.

For the exercise, a pond was filling with sediment and multiple solutions were presented. To resolve the problem Pedersen amended one of the proposed solutions.

“I thought it went pretty well,” said Pedersen. “It was a new experience for all of us.”

For the future, Pedersen talked about continuing to solve problems in an effective way and mediate between people.

More importantly Pedersen learned to use Parliamentary procedure to run meetings and to ‘get out there’ from the election

The campaign’s impact has reached beyond Cornhusker Girls State and influenced Pedersen to pursue politics.

“I’m still intimidated by big things,” she said laughing. But she said she could definitely see herself running for something like school board or county commissioner.   

Story by Jordan Young

Counselor and staff profile sketches: part two

We all come to Cornhusker Girls State for one reason or another. The Girls State Gazette team will profile different staff and counselors. By:  Drew Purviance

Annette Gloystein- Senior Counselor

·       Living on the Eight Floor (Madison) this week.

·       Has been helping out with Girls’ State for 12 years

·       From Exeter

·       Self-employed

·       Member of Exeter’s school board

·       Her jobs at Girls’ State includes; supervising, keeping things moving, making sure the delegates are on time.

·       Decorates cakes

Jordanna Glock- Middle Counselor

·       Living on the Ninth Floor (Monroe) this week.

·       Has a little brother at Boys’ State this year, who she plans to embarrass by the end of the week

·       Responsible for making sure the girls are having fun

·       A student at the University of Nebraska at Kearney

·       Gives tours at her college

·       Works as a Certified Nursing Assistant

·       Does a lot of student research

·       From Rising City

·       Has been helping out with Girl’s State for two years

·       Helps the delegates on her floor with voting and filing

Jessica Svehla- Junior Counselor

·       Living on the Second Floor (Reagan) this week

·       Returned to Girls’ State to help out for two years

·       Attends the University of Nebraska

·       Interested in Interior Design

·       She has compressed her spine jumping the wake while wake boarding

·       Helps lead the delegates to their different sessions

·       Works for a wedding planner

·       From Lincoln

·       Helps the delegates get to know each other, and watches for appropriate clothing

·       Works at Memorial Stadium

Virgina Nelsen- Staff Member

·       Living on the Sixth Floor (Adams) this week

·       Originally from New Jersey

·       She is the education director here at Girls’ State

·       Has been involved with Girls’ State since 1999

·       She is a Teachers Aid for K-5

·       Loves the history about the Revolutionary War

·       Writes and grades tests for the delegates here at Girls’ State

·       Adds and subtracts points for the different floors

·       Currently living in Valentine

·       Interested in the history of our country