Jackson counselors are perfectly perfect

By: Haley Pierce

Liz Schlamann, Jackson Senior Counselor, is a strong and independent woman. She first attended Girls State in 1993 as a citizen of Arthur. Schlamann recalls that her favorite camp memory involved a Boys State citizen. Back then, land lines were available in each room, and the boys were often able to figure out the phone number system. However, one of the boys accidentally dialed the senior counselor’s number. The counselor proceeded to lead him on before calling the boy’s counselor in order to get him in trouble. For Schlamann, the best part of attending Girls State was playing the clarinet in band. The Girls State Band offered opportunities to play new musical pieces, such as the Nebraska fight song.

In 2009, Schlamann returned to Girls State as a Senior Counselor. Her own experience at Girls State is what inspires Schlamann to give back. As a counselor, she enjoys watching the citizens grow and develop throughout the week; by the end, she considers them her 50 adopted daughters. Schlamann’s goal as a counselor is to provide the best week for all. She also appreciates watching former citizens return as Girls State staff. In fact, in the past seven years, Schlamann has had two delegates return as Junior Counselors; and Ashley Wilkes was her Junior Counselor in 2009.

On a personal note, Schlamann considers herself quirky and tenacious. Her leadership style is both joyful and stern. She understands letting her delegates have fun, provides TLC and if need be, can lay down the law. As for one word to describe her life, Schlamann selected interesting. She has worked hard to overcome many obstacles and takes life as it comes at her. If stranded on a desert island, Schlamann would take any book she can get. And her favorite pickup line? “Hey baby, come check out my eight foot bed!”

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The Middle Counselor of Jackson, Morgan Devall attended Girls State in 2010. She lived on floor nine as a Polk Parrot. Devall’s favorite memory from camp is being appointed to the department of the State Historical Society. Through her appointment, she toured the Nebraska History Museum and State Historical Society. In retrospect, Devall believes her position helped her in her chosen major of social sciences. She also enjoyed learning about her responsibilities as a citizen, and it has helped her teaching.

Like many other counselors, Devall enjoyed her time at Girls State and wanted to give the same experience to others. Furthermore, she is a firm supporter of volunteering. When giving her time, Devall believes the American Legion Auxiliary is a great organization to help. In addition, Devall brings order and control to her city.

Individually, Devall considers herself very serious, especially in activities. However, she is also very sarcastic, and Devall truly enjoys humor. In describing her life, Devall selected the word blissful. There have been ups and downs, but overall she has been happy with the experiences and opportunities life has presented her. Possibly the most practical of all Jackson counselors, Devall would bring a friend and sunscreen to a desert island. Finally, her favorite pickup line is,

“Do you come here often?”

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Jackson’s Junior Counselor, Emily Slama, was a Girls State delegate in 2013 and resided in Ford. Her favorite moment from camp was the toga party her floor hosted on the final night. The delegates played the “Cup Song” and stayed awake through the night. The citizens then caught up on their sleep at graduation the following day. For Slama, being elected senator was a great experience at Girls State. Her legislature enacted a law that made texting and driving a primary offense.

Slama now returns to Girls State for the first time since then as a Junior Counselor. She had a great time at her Girls State and wants to continue the experience for other delegates. In fact, Slama credits her experience to her own Junior Counselor, Jordan. Basically, Slama wishes to give back to the organization that has done so much for her.

Slama is a social butterfly, but she isn’t afraid to set the rules. She describes herself as a firm believer in tough love. Additionally, she loves to see others happy. When given one word to describe her life, Slama chose two: passion and dedication. She wants everyone to have passion about everything here at Girls State. Her greatest advice to all Girls State citizens is to, “Put your whole heart into something you care about.” Furthermore, Slama enjoys The Book Thief, and she would definitely take it to a desert island. As for Slama’s favorite pickup line? “Are you from Tennessee? Because you are the only ten-I-see.”