There is no dance!

The citizens of Cornhusker Girls State did it. They finally made it to Friday. Through a gas-leak evacuation to doing pull-ups at the Nebraska National Guard, these delegates have seen it all and are more than prepared to graduate tomorrow morning. When they arrived on Sunday afternoon, the delegates had little to no idea what an impact this week would have on them. Tomorrow they will walk across the stage and grab the diploma beaming with the pride and confidence Girls State gave them.

Friday morning kicked off with session at the Nebraska Union where the 11 Girls Nation Candidates were announced and sent off to be interviewed. The remaining girls stayed to run through the Girls State songs and watch the mock trial performed by the District Court with the help of Attorney Jennifer Tomka from Boucher Law Firm.

After lunch the citizens headed back to the union for a fun-filled afternoon session. Kelsey Thomas, Abby Nguyen, Kamryn Sannicks and Allissa Flynn were announced as the top four candidates for Girls Nation. Tomorrow at graduation they will find out which two will be alternates and which two will be representing Nebraska in Washington D.C. at the end of July. Session continued with all state offices and city mayors reporting on their week and what offices they visited yesterday after touring the state capitol.

The excitement went up another notch when the senior counselors from each floor performed a skit for the Girls State citizens. The counselors highlighted moments from the week in a comedic manner and even made fun of particular citizen behaviors. The skit ended with a large dance party in the Union Ballroom, allowing the girls to let loose and celebrate their achievements.

Although the citizens are looking forward to graduation, they were a bit torn up by the fact that their last joint session with Cornhusker Boys State was this evening. The citizens came together to watch the energetic JoAnn Owen Nausler speak on the meaning of success and to share their slideshow presentations of photos and videos from the week. At the conclusion of the Boys State slideshow, it was announced that the citizens of Boys and Girls State would be celebrating the 75th Anniversary of CBS by having a dance in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Colosseum. The citizens cheered so loud it was a miracle the glass windows were not shattered at Kimball Hall. However, the video came back with a large, "just kidding." There was no dance. Instead the citizens of Boys and Girls State ended their evening with a mingling session outside of Kimball Hall.

Tomorrow morning the citizens will say goodbye to their counselors, roommates and friends. However, they will never say goodbye to the memories they made during the week. Congratulations Cornhusker Girls State Class of 2015!

Don't rain on our parade

The citizens of Cornhusker Girls State awoke to rain falling outside their windows, but there was nothing but sunshine provided by the citizens inside Mari Sandoz Hall.

The delegates spent their morning voting for Girls Nation senators joint session. Friday morning the Girls Nation finalists will be announced and the finalists will be interviewed. After the interview and some heavy consideration the two Girls Nation senators will be announced Saturday at graduation.

After voting the citizens took a soggy walk to Kimball Hall for the second to last joint session with Cornhusker Boys State. Citizens met early in the day for a debate between the chairs of the Nebraska Democratic and Republican parties. J.L. Spray and Vince Powers introduced themselves, said their opening statements and then let the Girls and Boys State citizens ask questions. The respective media groups formulated the questions for the debate; focusing on Nebraska issues like gay marriage, the TransCanada pipeline and the transportation of marijuana from Colorado.

If seeing the boys wasn't exciting enough, a few hours away was the governor inauguration. Citizens ate quickly and walked quickly in the spitting rain the mile to the Capitol. Once there, the citizens got the chance to explore the historic building and get a bird's eye view from the top observation deck.

With exploring done, the main event was on. The 2015 governor of Girls State, Kamryn Sannicks, the senators and the rest of the inaugural group were sworn in. Sannick's mother, sister and other close friends watched her raise her right hand and repeat after the Supreme Court Justice. After all was said and done the citizens dispersed to different offices within the Nebraska government system to learn about their elected or appointed positions.

Rain continued to dampen the ground, but not the excitement of the impending visit to the Nebraska National Guard base. White buses came to pick girls up and take them to the base. The soldiers on the buses encouraged the girls to cheer as loud as possible all the way to the base and back again. Citizens got up close and personal with the equipment the National Guard uses on a regular basis, including Comanche aircraft, BAMBI buckets and the base control center. The base also had a jungle gym set up, allowing the girls to release all their pent up energy.

One would think all the excitement from the day would wear a teenager out. After floor meetings many girls went to different lobbies or rooms to hang out and unwind after the whirlwind day. They had realized that today marked the over half way point and Girls State is coming to an end.

Visit the Girls State Gazette Online tomorrow for coverage of Girls Nation interviews and the last joint session with Cornhusker Boys State. 

Gubernatorial debate

Story by Samantha O’Neal

The Gubernatorial Debate took place at 7:00 p.m. in the Union Ballroom on Tuesday evening. Governor candidates from both the Federalist and Nationalist parties were given questions to debate on for two minutes each.  Earlier that day the winners of the primary elections were announced and the Governor candidate from both parties debated later that evening. Kameryn Sannicks became the Federalist party Governor candidate, and Macie Clawson represented the Nationalist party.

The questions that both Sannicks and Clawson faced during the debate differed.  Some questions were about their own personal weaknesses and strengths. Most of the questions, however, involved current event topics within the state of Nebraska.  Some of these topics came from within the United States as well.

Sannicks spoke about the Federalist party’s platform prior to the debate.  Sannicks stated that the Federalist party did not support the use of fracking for extracting resources from Nebraska’s fields. Another plank in the party’s platform was to support the reform of school lunches by pushing for more cost effective, nutritional meals. The Federalist party supports the de-emphasizing of standardized testing while emphasizing student achievement in Nebraska. The Federalist party also thanked the American Legion Auxiliary for the Girls State program.

Clawson then spoke on the Nationalist party’s platform.  Clawson stated that the Nationalist party supported the increasing of state funding for mental health institutions. Nationalists also opposed the further construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. Clawson explained that the Nationalist party supported the equalization of the wages across gender, race and sexual orientation in the work force. Finally, the Nationalist party thanked the American Legion Auxiliary for the Girls State program.

Throughout the debate, the candidates answered the questions to their best ability. Sannicks and Clawson both made interesting points with their opinions. Sannicks and Clawson closed the session with their final remarks to the Girls State delegates.

Kamryn Sannicks wins Governor election

By: Samantha O'Neal

The ballots for Girls State Governor were turned in on Wednesday, June 3rd. All eight floors participated in the general election which included county and the remaining state offices. The candidates for the position of Governor were Kamryn Sannicks and Macie Clawson.  The delegates chose which candidate to vote for after the Gubernatorial debate and the rapid fire whistle stop campaigns earlier in the morning.

At 1:00 p.m. in the Union Ballroom on Wednesday, the winner of the election was announced. The Federalist party candidate, Sannicks won the election. Sannicks is from floor nine, the city of Fillmore. She could be seen lifting both of her hands up in celebration as the rest of the delegates cheered her on. Sannicks even had a standing ovation.

At 2:00 p.m. in the Rotunda at the state capitol building on Thursday, Sannicks was officially sworn in as the Governor of Girls State. The ceremony was performed in front of the four hundred delegates of Cornhusker Girls State. Sannicks gave her inaugural address after being sworn in.  She congratulated the citizens that won their elections; Sannicks stated that it would be an honor to work alongside them. She also thanked the capital for allowing the inaugural ceremony to take place within the Rotunda. As the Governor, Sannicks announced that she would do to her utmost ability to represent Girls State well.

Sannicks was born in Las Vegas and moved to Nebraska when she was three. She came to Lincoln at the age of five. Sannicks is the oldest of four children. She is on the golf team, debate team, National Honors Society and the head editor of her school newspaper. In her community she holds leadership positions in the Nebraska Young Democrats and Lincoln Northstar Young Democrats chapter.

Sannicks had a personal hand in politics before running for Governor.  Sannicks worked on campaigns within her community. Her interest came from her family members who were very involved in politics.  She either “voted” for her own parents, or she worked on various campaigns with them which gave her the start she needed to work within her community.  Sannicks has the makings of a great leader, and she is an inspiration to other Girls State delegates.

Federalist party first meeting

Story by Kayla Hughes

At 1:45 p.m. the Federalist and Nationalist parties held their first party meetings. To start off the Federalist Party meeting the Federalist advisor Micala Cruse Demps began the elections. The party Chairwoman was elected first. After voting, Fillmore delegate Kamryn L. Sannicks was elected party Chairwoman. Next was the election of delegate Ashtyn B. Cooper, who is living in the town of Polk for the week, as the party’s Vice Chairwoman. The party Secretary-Treasurer elected was delegate Alexandra M. Carlini, who is living in Jackson for the week.

Once elections were done, volunteers and the party’s artists for the emblem and slogan had to be chosen. Sannicks then called for four volunteers for the platform committee. Then Sannicks continued to call for volunteer artists to draw the party’s emblem. After the artists had drawn their emblems, it was decided that a federalist coin facing up would be the party’s emblem to symbolize the party being superior. The slogan, “Federalists are always on top” was adopted.

Subsequently the Federalist party needed a platform; thus the platform topic debate began. The party began discussing fracking (definition-the process of injecting liquid at high pressure into subterranean rocks to force open existing fissures and extract oil or gas.) which was discovered to be illegal due to the possibilities of contamination of local water.

A party member then suggested that school lunches needed to have larger portions at a cheaper price for athletes. After some debate, it was decided that athletes would be scratched from the plank, and then it would be accepted.

It was later then decided the Federalists would deny the legalization of casinos. Another important topic accepted to become a plank was the de-emphasizing of NeSA testing and focusing on personal achievement instead. The Federalists’ last bill of the meeting accepted by the Federalists was a thank you to the American Legion Auxiliary for conducting Girls State. The meeting was then adjourned for the afternoon.

E pluribus unim: four cities, one county

Story by Kelsey Sternad 

Delegates at Girls State are both divided and united in several ways. Fictional political parties split the citizens in two through friendly competition, while eight separate cities provide citizens with a community environment where delegates can boast to one another with pride. Another division at Girls State is between the two counties: Jefford, which includes floors two through five, and Skillman, comprised of floors six through nine. Skillman County contains four cities. Tyler occupies the sixth floor, Polk the seventh, Taylor the eighth and Fillmore the ninth.

The environment between the four cities under Skillman County is described by citizens as relaxed and friendly. According to Olivia Bures, a resident of Taylor, the relationship between her city and the surrounding cities is a strong one.

"We had a dance party with some girls from the ninth floor the other night, it was pretty fun," Bures said.

Each individual floor also contains a small, tightknit community. Taylor Kool, a resident of the ninth floor which holds the city of Fillmore, said that, "We're like a family, it's great. I love our floor." Kool also noted that at the beginning of the week everyone was quiet and reserved, but now they are all comfortable with one another. 

Skillman County also has many of its own elected representatives. Some positions include County Treasurer, a role fulfilled by Jacqueline Perriot, a citizen of Polk, and County Attorney, a spot received by Emily Cumming, a citizen of Tyler. The Skillman County Board of Regents is made up of Holly Berkey, Mercedes Isaacson, Caitlyn Moore and Nicole Placek. The first two board members are citizens of Tyler and Taylor respectively, while Moore and Placek are both from the city of Fillmore.

Skillman County is made up of four distinct cities and includes over 200 unique citizens, but it has thrived as an enjoyable community environment because of the passion for Girls State that they all share.

Floor eight counselor profiles

Story by Tennessee Anderson

Sarah Pogue

The Junior Counselor on floor eight, the city of Taylor, is Sarah Pogue.

Pogue went to Girls State in 2013 at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. She also applied and interviewed for Girls Nation.

Pogue went to Girls State to learn more about how her Government works. She also really wanted to meet new people and work on her leadership skills. What she enjoyed about Girls State was meeting new friends from across the state of Nebraska, and being able to express herself more than she could at her school.

After graduating Girls State, Pogue decided to become a Junior Counselor because of her own counselor. She made an impact on Pogue and helped her make an impact on others.

Pogue’s favorite pastime is being a photographer. In other words, she especially enjoys taking photos.

 Sarah is currently attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and she is majoring in broadcasting, because she really likes sports and wants to make a difference in the world of film.   

              

Kelsey Gretch

When Kelsey Gretch finished Girls State she wanted to give back by helping future generations of Girls State delegates. She also wanted to give them the experiences that she had enjoyed. This year she is the Middle Counselor on floor eight which is the city of Taylor.

Gretch attended Girls State in 2012. She wanted to go to Girls State to learn more about government and how the voting system works. She also wanted to learn leadership skills and establish herself as a better leader.

During Girls State she enjoyed campaigning and it helped her get out of her comfort zone.

When she has downtime she enjoys watching every kind of TV series on Netflix, and she also likes to read books.When Kelsey was younger she loved to read, she would even read all day or stay up all night reading with a nightlight.  

Gretch attends the University of Nebraska at Kearney and she is majoring in Social Work and minoring in Gerontology. She wants to eventually get her masters degree in Social Work and work as a Medical Social Worker or be a director of a nursing home.

In high school Kelsey enjoyed her classmates and how close they became over the years. Her favorite subject was American Government because she was able to learn more about politics, and it helped to spark her interest in running for office someday.

Kathy Mazur

This year Kathy Mazur is the Senior Counselor on floor eight, the city of Taylor. When Mazur goes to Girls State she enjoys the energy of the girls that she hangs out with.

Mazur got involved with Girls State because of an email she had received saying that they needed her help as a Senior Counselor.

During her downtime she enjoys reading Murder Mysteries or Adventure novels. She also does a lot of volunteering. Mazur loves going to baseball games. She has played softball and still loves to play when she can.

Kathy attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and received a Bachelors of Science in Business Education. She chose this major because of her interest in book keeping and security of study.

Mazur attended high school in Gretna, and her favorite thing was being a librarian because she loved keeping books in order on their shelves.  

 

 

Jefford County

By Rachel Kathman

On Monday, many citizens of Jefford County filed for county offices. The positions available ranged from Public Defender to Register of Deeds. After that it was off to the races while the candidates rushed to floors two through five to hang up posters and start making their names heard. Handing out candy was a popular campaign tactic and it proved to be successful in most cases. The voters on each floor definitely enjoyed all the candy.

The campaigning continued into Tuesday morning as the first whistle stop campaigns were held. During whistle stops, the candidates went to each floor of their county to briefly introduce themselves and tell them about their platform and ideas. A few of the memorable campaigning methods were County Engineer candidate MacKenzie Cline’s “Campaign Train,” in which she dressed and whistled like a train. County Attorney candidate Faith Noel Lennox handed out paper mustaches. Following the whistle stops, primary elections were held on each floor. The results of the primaries were announced at the assembly that afternoon.

The remaining candidates kept campaigning as whistle stops were held on both Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. After that, citizens voted in the general election to make the final decision on who would be representing their county. Finally, at the assembly that afternoon, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived. The newly elected officials of Jefford County were announced and all 20 girls accepted their certificates with big smiles.

Ricketts Speaks

Story by Sarah Van Horn

Gov. Pete Ricketts, 50, was the honored guest at the Kimmel Center for Boys/Girls State joint session on June 3. Ricketts was welcomed by thunderous rhythm of clapping by both States when he was escorted to the podium by recently appointed governors Kamryn Sannicks, 17, and Hunter Traynor, 17. Rickets started the session with a prepared speech, then ended with a short Q&A session.

This being Ricketts first year, ever, speaking at Nebraska Cornhusker State he began by saying how honored and humbled he was to be in the presence of students before him.

“You represent the best of Nebraska… Our future leaders,” Ricketts said. “Our state is great because of people like you.”

Ricketts explained the key challenge of being Nebraska’s Governor: Growth. In 2019 the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) will be implementing a hydrogen runned engine that has been burning coal for over for over 50 years. NPPD will switch one of two engines to use Hydrogen. Engines will then be electric powered and no longer spew carbon toxins into the air.  Nebraska will be one of 17 Hydrogen-based engines. This makes Nebraska, “water vapor pioneers,” open up the state to new engineer occupations and “offers a great opportunity” to expand engineering and the Nebraska workforce.

After discussing that he believes that agriculture and manufacturing can work hand-in-hand – aside from putting more stress on another – he said that he, “Runs [the government] like a business: always trying to be better and cheaper.” Ricketts used an analogy to explain his thoughts. Without dairy farms there’d be no milk; without milk there’d be no cheese manufacturing. The two work as system, a team, as opposed to rivals in a baseball diamond.

Also Ricketts never said he wanted to be a professional baseball player, he did say plenty of others paths he’s tried. Rickets graduated from college with a major in biology; discovered that’s not what he wanted to do with his life. So he tried getting a job in economics; but he still didn’t feel at home. He later went back to college and got an MBA in marketing and finance. To him, finding one’s life is about the process of elimination.

“The only bad decision is the one you didn’t take,” Ricketts said. “If one doesn’t work, keep trying. Don’t sweat it. Keep hold of your opportunities.”

Following the conclusion of his prepared speech, the floor was open for questions for the delegates.

Briefing of Ricketts Q&A

(Q) How do you plan on promoting diversity in Nebraska?

(A) By keeping people here in this great place. And by creating new opportunities for new people to come – like the new plant that will run on Hydrogen.

(Q) What is your stance on medical marijuana?

(A) As with all dangerous drugs, they need to be safe and effective, that is endure by the FDA. I feel the same process is needed for marijuana. However, the legislature isn’t made of scientists and doctors. We need to be sure that is safe before we make a decision.

(Q) What are your thoughts on gun control?

(A) I believe in the Second Amendment. Our Founding Fathers knew. People need the right to protect their rights.

(Q) How do you feel about the pay gap?

(A) They didn’t get their jobs because of their gender.

Boys State

Story by Dharma Blake-Cole

Just like the citizens at Cornhusker Girls State, the delegates at Cornhusker Boys State experienced some of the awkward encounters and starts of relationships on the first night. The boys have become great friends with town bonding exercises and great group chats.

Unlike the common belief that the boys at Boys State have a lot of free time, they are actually just as, if not more, busy than the citizens at Girls State. The boys have many activities to keep them busy including football, softball, sand volleyball,  track, basketball, newspaper, band and choir.

The boys had a choice to compete for as many offices as they wanted to and if they did not compete for offices they were required to join an activity during the time the candidates would be competing. The boys that did compete said that it was not difficult and very fun. Their campaigning was also just as crazy as ours. Justin Casas said “No one cares about how much you know until they know how much you care.”

During their campaigning the boys were allowed to use social media to help them. They could buy ads in their newsletter that goes out every day and is created by the media citizens.

Boys State has had many great speakers brought in for them. They have many sessions and are kept busy all the time. The boys have enjoyed the different speakers, the opportunities given to them and the teamwork involved in Boys State.

The boys have a virtual money system in place to use for campaigning and supporting their political action committees (PACs). They all start out with the same amount of money and can earn more by doing surveys on their website among other ways. The boys donate money to the PACs, which are a group of people that represent an idea, then the PACs can use that money to support one of the candidates.

The boys were not required to adhere to a specific dress code although it was highly suggested that they wear either jeans or slacks. The boys did not have to take a current event quiz or a government test, but the candidates running for office could be asked questions from the Nebraska Blue Book.

Boys State and Girls State are highly different in the rules and regulations the citizens must follow but are both a fun and exciting week of learning and growth.

Rapid fire whistle stops

Story by Sami O’Neal

At 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, the rapid fire whistle stop campaigns started.  Citizens gathered together in the lounges of their respective floors to listen to the state office delegates. The delegates were given three minutes to speak on each floor. Citizens on the floors were allowed to ask the delegates any appropriate question.

Questions for the delegates differed. Some questions involved personal opinions, while other questions were about different current event topics in the state of Nebraska. All delegates faced different questions. Some of the questions involved a person’s strengths, weaknesses, their experience and what would the delegate would do if they were actually elected to that position.

The rapid fire whistle stop campaign was a time to not only for the state office candidates to gain experience, but it also forced the citizens to use critical thinking skills when creating questions for the candidates. It is at events like these where delegates grow and learn more about real life issues.

‘[Girls] You ARE Beautiful’

Story by Sarah Van Horn

One way speakers or advocates convince whom they wish is by constantly repeating one’s stance – another way is by the advocates personally communicating with said persons. Earlier in the year, Bryce Sahs, 17, was told to apply for Cornhusker Boys State by an advisor at from his high school in York. Sahs was not impressed. He was unsure about the program and had few plans for applying. Yet, he is now the presiding as a member of the School Board at Boys State.

“A woman from the Legion (ALA) literally came and knocked on my front door,” Sahs said. “They really wanted me – they said I was the perfect delegate – she convinced me to apply.”

Sahs was directly told he was perfect. Much like a laser pointer it was precise and directed towards him. However sometimes, compliments of perfection come from a flashlight – attracting a much broader audience. 

Both Boys and Girls State were spoken to by Mike Smith, Professional teenager on Monday evening. During the evening he spoke of his highs and lows, his charity, being the best person you can be and ended with saying, “Lastly, Girls you ARE beautiful. Even you don’t think you: you are. I want you all to know that; it’s very important.”

“Him saying that threw me for a loop,” Sahs said. “I come from a small town; we don’t get too many motivational speakers. Especially ones that say ‘you’re beautiful.’”

Sahs has never been called beautiful; none of his friends have been called beautiful (to his knowledge). Yet, he feels it is important that girls know that they are beautiful. He said he was glad Smith added that final point.

“Men aren’t women,” Sahs said. “I don’t really care if no one calls me handsome. But I feel like girls do care. From what I’ve gathered, I think that girls always remember if someone calls them something they don’t want to be called. And I feel like they sometimes forget when they’re told that (they are beautiful); that’s why they should be told a lot.”

According to a study by Romin W. Tafarodi at the University of Texas at Austin men have more self-esteem than women at a ratio of 26:21. Although confidence varies between men and women, overall men typically are more confident than women. Reasons for this may come from pressures, from society, peers, men and many other forms.

“Society thinks that girls have to be skinny, attractive and dependent,” Sahs said. “But I don’t think so. You can’t build a person so they fit all of you needs. People are people, I feel like more people need to be told they’re OK, or beautiful, especially girls.”

Spread the word. Beauty is back in style.

Lori Skallerud

Story by Hannah Schmitz

Lori Skallerud is very passionate about her work with the American Legion Auxiliary.  After 45 years of dedicated membership, she has become the Northwest Division National Vice President.  Her love for the organization sprouted approximately 44 years ago when she had the opportunity to carry the colors.  Skallerud recalls that after attending a few local Auxiliary meetings in Minnesota, she was asked to attend a district meeting.  At this district meeting, she was asked to carry the colors.  Skallerud can still remember how moving this experience was.

Skallerud’s story was only just beginning at that district meeting.  She knew she was eligible at that moment because her father was a WWII veteran, her husband was a Korean Conflict veteran and her brother was a Vietnam veteran.  She joined and later served all of the district and department offices, moving up in position until she earned the prestigious office she holds today.

This job names her as the overseer and representative of the national organization.  She presides over seven states, including Nebraska and her home state of Minnesota.  She is currently supporting the Five Year Strategic Plan.  This plan is a list of five main goals, one of the most important of them being that the national organization reaches 1,000,000 members.  When asked about what she enjoys most about her job, she answered that she enjoys meeting people.  Skallerud likes to visit the different Auxiliary posts and seeing the work that these units have done.  Skallerud said, “The passions are different.”

Skallerud was successful even before she became a member of the Auxiliary.  She served her community as a police officer for ten years.  She also worked for the Veteran Service Office and later the Red Cross.  In addition to all of this, she is a mother.  She had three children with her late husband and now has six grandchildren.  One of her granddaughters is running for a district office in the Auxiliary.  She is now engaged, which she is very excited about.

Skallerud advises all young women to join the Auxiliary.  She is fearful of the Auxiliary shrinking in size and said it is important to get new ideas.  

“We need members to help get bills passed to help our veterans,” said Skallerud. “If we don’t continue to grow, we won’t continue to help our veterans.”  

She also encouraged delegates at the session on Wednesday to thank their Auxiliary unit at home for giving them this amazing opportunity.  Also at the session, she told the citizens of Girls State not to take Girls State lightly, because the information obtained will be carried with the citizens throughout the rest of their lives.

Skallerud has had an outstanding career with the American Legion Auxiliary that many others only dream about.  Who knows what else she will achieve in the years to come.

The differences

By: Haley Pierce

Throughout the week, many girls have noticed differences between Boys and Girls State. Truly, both camps are a powerful experience and learning instrument in leadership and government. However, each accomplish their goals in their own manner. Here, specific differences between Boys and Girls State are revealed.

Town bonding

While girls are often considered more emotional than boys, it is the Boys State citizens who have experienced specific bonding exercises. The Boys State cities played various games and shared personal information for team building. As Joseph Hunter explained, the exercises were, “kind of weird.” Over in Sandoz Hall, specific exercises were not used, and team building was the responsibility of the citizens. Even though the girls did not engage in specific bonding activities, the floors have become close throughout the week, and each citizen will leave with a new friend.

Activities

Throughout the week, Boys and Girls State citizens have participated in many activities. Many of the boys’ choices included sports. Football, softball, sand volleyball, track and basketball were all available. Options for girls included service learning and places of interest. Both camps offered choir, band, and media. However, the media programs demonstrate their own differences. At Boys State, a newsletter is produced every day; whereas Girls State produces a final newspaper. The Boys State news crew was even so lucky as to receive a presentation by a journalist who uses drones.

Cell phones

The use of cell phones also differentiates between the camps. Neither group is allowed to use cell phones during session. However, boys are encouraged to use their cell phones for campaigning and other Boys State activities. At Boys State, a website is used to manage campaign funds. Through this website, delegates can support people and ideas by forming Political Action Committees (PACs). Campaign space is also available in the newsletter. In contrast, Girls State citizens are discouraged from using technology and are not allowed to campaign on social media. Most boys are satisfied with the cell phone policy, while many girls are not.

Education

Girls State and Boys State take different approaches to educating the delegates. For the boys, there is an emphasis on leadership, and less time is spent discussing government specifics. Boys State often brings in guest speakers, but Girls State prefers in-house experts. Additionally, Virginia Nelson puts together exams for the Girls State citizens. A current events quiz and a government test are part of the Girls State curriculum.

Even though Boys and Girls State have their differences, everyone can agree the week has been fun-filled and educational. It is an opportunity that everyone will cherish. One thing will always be true of Boys and Girls State, along with many real political elections. As Jestin Casas explained, “No one cares about how much you know until they know how much you care.”

And the winner is...

Wednesday has come and gone in a flash, and it is difficult to believe that the citizens are getting closer and closer to graduation day. The looks on the citizens' faces and their contagious laughter are always present, and the knowledge theses citizens are gathering is helping them to become better real-world citizens.

Wednesday began with the final whistle stop campaign. Winners of the county and state primary elections filled the floors of Mari Sandoz Hall once more to compete for their fellow citizens' votes. Throughout the week, delegates have been costuming, carrying large posters and shouting slogans to make their mark on the Cornhusker Girls State voters.

Once whistle stops were complete, those delegates who won the primary election for a state office prepared for the rapid fire whistle stop campaign. Each state office candidate was paired with a staff member who escorted her to each floor. While each individual candidate was on the floor, the citizens that resided there had three minutes to ask that candidate any question. Questions included, "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" and "What can you do to help small-town farming communities?" The candidates took the questions with grace and poise and thought very carefully on how they responded to the citizens of CGS. After the last candidate had left their floor the citizens casted their vote for the ones who impressed them the most.

After the close of all things elections, the citizens were split up into different discussion groups. These groups were assigned randomly and each group met on a specific floor. The counselors on the floors led the group discussion by asking delegates the questions that were provided to them. On floor nine, the delegates who gathered exchanged views on the VA health system, Memorial Day and family members in the military. This activity gave citizens the chance to explore further and think broader about their experience at Girls State. Delegates were able to apply what they have learned so far throughout the week and even talked about what they have taken from CGS thus far.

Following lunch the citizens trudged their way back to the union for afternoon session. The first item of business was a presentation by Anne Greff and Sarah Smith, the 2014 Girls Nation Senators from Nebraska. Each discussed their favorite part of attending Girls Nation and gave a detailed summary of the events that took place at the session held last July in Washington D.C. Both Greff and Smith explained to the citizens that the benefits of attending Girls Nation are innumerable, and they both took away many attributes from the experience. Then all current CGS citizens who were interested in applying for Girls Nation came to the front of the ballroom and announced their name and floor. Next they had their picture taken which is currently on display on all floors in order to prepare for the upcoming vote for Nebraska's Senators.

The Girls Nation candidates quickly rushed back to prepare for the most anticipated announcement of the week: election results. The citizens sat on pins and needles anxiously awaiting what name would be called next. For every office called the Nebraska Union Ballroom exploded with cheers and excitement. All the delegates jumped to their feet as Kamryn Sannicks, citizen of Fillmore, was announced as the 2015 CGS Governor.

Afternoon session continued on as the senators from each floor worked with Vicki Buck to write bills that they hope to pass tomorrow at the Nebraska State Capitol. Prior to the start of afternoon activities, the citizens had quite a large amount of time to burn. CGS staff and delegates used their creativity and began a Girls State-wide game of movie charades. Floors came together to act out scenes from their favorite movies which included "Pitch Perfect" and "Finding Nemo".

Evening session was a joyous time as the citizens were reunited with Cornhusker Boys State. Both met at Kimball Hall for the address by the Honorable Pete Rickets, Governor of the State of Nebraska. After speaking with the delegates Gov. Rickets opened the floor to answer questions from the citizens. The evening continued with performances by the Girls and Boys State band and choir. However, there was an additional performance no citizen saw coming. As the doors of the Kimball Hall auditorium opened, the CBS counselors strutted down the aisle decked in sunglasses. As the counselors took the stage they began to hum that oh-so familiar tune any "Top Gun" fan would know. The counselors began to serenade the citizens of Girls State with "You've Lost that Lovin' feeling" complete with dance moves. (To think that the Girls State citizens thought their excitement had peaked when they walked into the auditorium that night.) One special Girls State citizen was even pulled up on stage to sit on a Boys State counselor's knee during the song.

Before the citizens left Kimball hall, they first had to travel through the tunnel of high-fives formed by the Boys State counselors. As they shouted, "Girls! Girls! Girls! Girls!" all the citizens, and even some staff members, made their way through the line high-fiving each counselor. (Girls State Gazette is happy to report that no Girl State citizen fainted at the conclusion of the high-five tunnel.) When the delegates returned to Sandoz it was then up to their floors for nightly town meetings.

Visit the Girls State Gazette Online tomorrow for coverage of the Innaguartion, Nebraska State Capitol and visit to the National Guard Base.

Miss Nebraska returns to Girls State

Story by Sophie Tonjes

This is a small world after all, Miss Nebraska, Megan Swanson, is a Girls State Alumna. Swanson was a part of floor five’s city named Jackson. She was originally from Omaha and attended Millard North High School. During Swanson’s time at Girls State she ran for Lieutenant Governor. After finishing high school, Swanson wanted out of Nebraska. As she made the move to start a new life, Swanson faced new problems.

Megan Swanson attended Belmont University in Tennessee to pursue her dreams in the music field. Swanson’s dreams were coming true and it was what she wanted, but she still was not entirely happy with her life. Swanson said she would look in the mirror and was never satisfied with what she saw. As Swanson graduated college she further researched problems she faced in her life. After much research she discovered that she had Binge Eating Disorder. She knew the problem was an internal problem that she needed to fix before she got better.

Swanson wanted to cure her disorder, but she just was not sure how to do so. After thinking about an aid and doing a lot of research, Swanson decided she would compete in the Miss Nebraska competition in 2014. “I wanted this more than anything in my life,” said Swanson.

Swanson also used the goals she wrote down to keep herself motivated every day. Swanson said, “Even if I’m at a zero, what can I do every day to make it a plus one.”

When talking about the Miss Nebraska competition, she explained that she did not compare herself to the other competitors and kept thinking that she was a winner in her own mind.  Swanson told the audience, “Do not be afraid to try even if you fail.”

She stepped on the stage at the Miss Nebraska completion knowing that life goes on after high school and college.“Your past never had to define your future,” Swanson said.

Swanson definitely lived by this mantra. She continued on her journey to win Miss Nebraska, competed in the Miss America pageant, began producing her own song album that releases in July 2015 and is writing her first devotional book.

Megan was a very inspirational speaker for the citizens at Girls State. Many citizens thought that they gained motivation from Swanson and found the talk she gave inspirational. Some citizens asked Swanson personal questions one on one after the assembly to get a personal answer that related to their lives.

Skillman’s long history of service exemplifies the spirit of the ALA.

By: Bridget Mizener

Decades ago as a young waitress in a small-town American Legion club, Barbara Skillman didn’t think she could join the Auxiliary, let alone be its Department President. But that is exactly what she did. Skillman began as a young waitress in her local Legion club and steadily rose through the Auxiliary’s ranks. Today, she is the Department President of the Nebraska ALA whose commitment to tight-knit community and personal service has remained untouched.

Like many young people in small towns across the state, Skillman’s involvement in the Auxiliary began at her local American Legion club. As a waitress at the club in Denton, a village of about 200 in Lancaster County, she encountered Legion and Auxiliary members. Soon enough, they began asking her about joining the Auxiliary.

“I initially didn’t think I could join—I knew I had to be family of a veteran,” Skillman said.

She came to find out she could join through her grandfather, a World War I veteran, and took the opportunity to become a member. While she did not know it at the time, this choice would end up affecting the trajectory of her career, and eventually, her entire life.

Starting from the waitressing position, Skillman soon became the manager of the Denton Legion club. A few years later, her unit needed a president, and she decided to try her hand.

“I had never been a President before,” Skillman said.

Lo and behold, she was elected the president of her unit. But she did not stop there.

“Then I said, ‘Oh, maybe I should be district president!’ and [a fellow ALA member] said, ‘You could do that,’” Skillman said.

Not only was she elected district president, but she was subsequently elected to positions including the Community Service chairman, Home Service chairman, chaplain and the Poppy chairman. It seemed only natural then that Skillman’s accomplished résumé would be capped off with the title of Department President of the Nebraska ALA.

As president, her responsibilities are numerous: she appoints several chairmanships and advisory board positions, she’s “the boss” at the Nebraska ALA office, 13 district presidents report to her and she’s a VIP. She attends a myriad of special occasions such as ribbon cuttings, wreath layings, fundraisers, dedications and the upcoming department convention.

But neither the title nor the prestige are important to Skillman—whichever position she holds, she is wholly dedicated to the community of the ALA and the work that it does. To her, the ALA is a family, and making personal connections with Auxiliary members, veterans and those outside the organization are what makes it so meaningful.

“We’re here to be part of you, and part of everything that you are to be,” she said.

The most important of those connections are those with the veterans. After all, our servicemen are the reason Skillman became so involved in her Auxiliary unit all those years ago.

“We give all of the credit to them,” Skillman said. “That’s what it’s all about.”