The citizens of Cornhusker Girls State have logged another day in the books for the 2015 session. With each day comes more knowledge, new experiences and of course new friendships. Smiles are found on every floor and there is no doubt that the citizens are enjoying themselves.
The delegates started off their day with the primary elections for county and state offices. The delegates took to the polls with the hope of sending their favorite candidate from their party to the general election. Girls lined up in their halls, filled out their ballots and received an “I voted” sticker to show off the rest of the day from the American Legion Auxiliary volunteers.
Once voting was complete it was off to morning session where the CGS citizens witnessed the POW/MIA empty table ceremony. Throughout the eloquent ceremony, delegates reverently honored those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country’s freedom. Following the presentation the citizens partook in the most feared item on the week’s agenda: the government test. The exam included over 30 questions on all things Nebraska government. A few citizens were even able to name all of Nebraska’s representatives in congress and the senate.
After lunch the girls returned back to the University of Nebraska Union the election committee announced the winners of the primary election. Floors cheered on their fellow delegates whose names will be on tomorrow’s ballot and would be campaigning for another night. The excitement in the room grew as the delegates prepared for a special presentation. Megan Swanson, past CGS citizen and current Miss Nebraska joined the delegates for the afternoon to discuss total body wellness. The citizens were moved by Swanson’s message of not letting the negativity of others bring them down. She encouraged citizens to set goals and work toward them every day. At the end of her presentation, Swanson played an original song on her guitar for the citizens. While competing for Miss America, Swanson placed in the top ten in the talent portion with her singing abilities. During her song, multiple delegates whipped out their phones to capture a short video while looks of admiration covered their faces. Following Swanson’s speech many CGS delegates raced to the hallway to snap a photo with the beauty queen. A citizen remarked, “You’re my idol.” as tears filled her eyes.
Tuesday’s excitement also included learning all of the Girls State Songs. With the help of the Junior Counselors, delegates learned the official Girls State song, and “America” (along with sign language). The counselors added in a few fun songs to the mix which included the t-shirt song, the dynamite chant and a crowd favorite, “Girls, Girls, Girls”.
Following activities and dinner it was back to the union for more CGS fun and excitement. This evening’s program featured the gubernatorial debate between Federalist candidate Kamryn Sannicks, and Nationalist candidate Macie Clawson. The two took questions from the citizens and voiced their stance on issues ranging from Common Core to US currency.
After the governor candidates made their closing statements. CGS citizens returned to Mari Sandoz Hall for more campaigning to prepare for tomorrow’s general election. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s announcement of general election winners and the 2015 CGS Governor.
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