Sixth Floor

By Chloe Moore

The city of Grant, located on floor six, houses 52 delegates and three counselors. At 2:30 p.m. in the lobby area on Sunday afternoon, the delegates established a laid back and friendly tone. As the week progresses, Junior Counselor Elizabeth Krajewski of Venango encourages delegates to get involved. “This week you girls should have fun, learn something, and be yourselves- but most importantly, have pretty smiles on your face.”

Delegates started out the action-packed week with a race for mayor that lasted until votes were cast at 8:00 on Monday morning. Of the three that ran, Kiley Turner of Plattsmouth secured the most votes and was elected. Senatorial campaigns matched the light-hearted theme when six delegates ran to fill six positions. After whistle stop campaigns on Monday evening, the members of city council and the town’s citizens worked together to solve a tricky case scenario. The problem dealt with deciding what to do with a golf course in the community, and delegates strategized until a majority vote was reached. In this first problem-solving activity, counselors helped citizens come to a solution.

A trio of counselors led the Grant gals. Cydney Volker of Lincoln served as the Senior Counselor and initiated town meetings. Girls State 2016 is her seventh year of being a counselor. Often times during the week she could be found telling cautionary tales warning delegates to not text and walk. Middle Counselor Emily Slama has volunteered her time for two years. When walking to different locations, she usually walked with the back of the pack to make sure that all delegates made it safely. Elizabeth Krajewski, or Auntie Elle, as floor six delegates more affectionately refer to her, is completing her first year as counselor. Krajewski coached delegates in speed walking to ensure that large groups could make it across the crosswalk in time. Without the guidance of the three counselors, delegates would probably be lost, injured, or standing in the middle of the road. As the week continues, Grant delegates look forward to supporting candidates on their floor and safely getting to each session!