Floor Seven

By Carsyn Poppe

The city of Hayes, located on floor 7, became a close-knit group throughout the week, despite being filled with diverse personalities. Some delegates were super outgoing right off the bat, others were more reserved. Nevertheless, the floor came together and made memories that delegates will remember long after their graduation.

Shortly after introductions, some delegates filed for city office, thus beginning a week full of campaigning. Posters were strung seemingly everywhere, most filled with catchy slogans, clever puns and an abundance of candy. Whistle stops were another great way to get to know the girls and have their name heard. After much anticipation, city positions were announced at 1:30 p.m. in the Union Ballroom on Monday. Mackenzie Petersen was announced mayor for the floor. When asked about her experience as mayor, Peterson said, “It was real, it was fun and for once, it was actually real fun. Being mayor gave me a great opportunity to meet girls on my floor and create more friendships than I had anticipated.”

Hayes was led by three counselors, all who helped make the week a memorable one. The Senior Counselor was Carol Nienhueser, Helen King was the Middle Counselor, and the Junior Counselor was Kristen Tomjack. Each counselor had a different personality, but they all helped guide and build relationships with the citizens. Carol was known as the “Mama Bear” of the floor, making sure to keep everyone in check. Helen provided everyone with a lovable amount of sarcasm and sass, always cracking a joke of some sort. Finally, Kristen, despite being more reserved than the other Counselors,was lovable and sweet, putting in her two cents when needed. All of the citizens on Floor Seven appreciated the work all members of the American Legion Auxiliary put in this week, and will remember how their counselors helped make Girls State a memorable experience.

Goofy, playful, and energetic; all of these were words the citizens of Hayes used to describe their fellow delegates, which only shows how the floor found a way to make the week as fun as possible. Cheers, jokes, and songs seemed to be constantly yelled throughout the floor. However, the delegates were focused and respectful when appropriate, in order to maximize the material given to them to become active citizens. All in all, citizens of Hayes learned a great deal about the government, and probably learned even more about each other.