The citizens of 2016 Cornhusker Girls State are almost there. One more day stands between them, their graduation and the end of their week together. Friday was a day of celebrations. Citizens celebrated new friendships, new knowledge, and new opportunities. The day began with the introduction of Girls Nation finalists, who were voted upon by the state and left to undergo a strict interview process with the CGS Advisory Board and Directors.
In the meantime, they were privileged to have Senior Counselor from floor three Kathy Mazur speak about her mother in honor of the 75th anniversary of Cornhusker Girls State. Mazur's mother was a delegate to the very first CGS in 1939. This is the 75th year because due to World War II, Girls State wasn't feasible and didn't happen in 1944 and 1945. Even in year one, delegates were sorted into the Federalist and Nationalist parties just as they are now, although they wore scarves instead of lanyards to denote them. The week was held at Camp Kiwanis and included activities like canoeing.
The other speaker in the morning session was Sarah Pogue. She was a past CGS delegate and junior counselor who couldn't seem to stay away for another year. Pogue discussed with the citizens her experiences at Girls State along with her current internship. She is an intern to the first lady of Nebraska and is in charge of planning for the Nebraska 150 celebration. Following the morning speakers, citizens were able to watch a mock trial performed by the District Courts before they broke for lunch.
For the afternoon session, citizens returned for the final session in the Nebraska Union, but this time they arrived in casual dress thanks to the generosity of the staff! The afternoon was packed full of presentations and prizes. Delegates heard from Education Director Virginia Nelson about the American Legion Auxiliary Oratorical Contest, witnessed the folding of the American flag by military personnel and listened to officer reports. All state elective officers and public service commissioners spoke about their experiences touring the real offices yesterday, and each mayor gave a State of the City Address. A slew of awards were presented as well, including the city profile achievement award, which went to the city of Hayes. Citizens who did excellently in the government or current events quiz were also honored.
The final prize of the session was what everyone was waiting on: the announcement of the Girls Nation delegates and alternates. Drumroll please... The final four citizens were Caitlin Mann, Ronni Miller, Emma Redinger and Natalie Schieuer, in no particular order. The two who were chosen to represent the state of Nebraska and the two who are alternates will be announced at graduation tomorrow. Once the presentations and prizes concluded, it was time for some special entertainment: a skit written by the senior counselors. They joked about struggles of the week such as navigating the cafeteria, putting phones away and attempting to teach the older counselors snapchat. The skit brought everyone to their feet with a dance party that left all citizens and staff laughing and showcasing their best moves.
The final session of Cornhusker Girls and Boys State occurred Friday night with motivational speaker Scott Backovich. This was his first year at Boys State since he attended in California as a teenager. Backovich approached the evening with a balance of humor and solemnity while he discussed how, as the top leaders in Nebraska, their experiences this week didn't matter unless they went home, became catalysts and gave what they had to help others. The session closed with a serenade by the Boys State counselors followed by videos from both programs documenting the week. The Boys State video ended with an interesting bit of news... or so they thought. It revealed that in honor of their hard work they would reinstate the Boys and Girls State dance, although it turned out to be a prank. The citizens were rewarded, however, with a mingle session between programs in front of Memorial Stadium!
Today contained endless smiles from delegates and staff alike. Throughout the day they were able to reflect on the new information, experiences and friends they gained this week. Though tomorrow will bring tired eyes and sentimental see-you-later's, the citizens have confirmed that this was an unforgettable week. In honor of the soon-to-be graduates of Cornhusker Girls State 2016, thank you to the American Legion Auxiliary for sponsoring this enriching program!
Showing posts with label CGS 2016. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CGS 2016. Show all posts
Friday, June 10, 2016
Thursday, June 9, 2016
Debate, inauguration and planes. Oh my!
The sun rose on Thursday morning and welcomed the Girls Staters to a thrilling and active day. After breakfast, the citizens were given free time to hang out with their floor mates (although some chose power napping) before they departed for a morning joint session. Delegates were particularly on their toes during the entire session because it was a debate between Nebraska Democratic Party Chairman Vince Powers and Nebraska Republican National Committeeman J.L. Spray. Both the Boys and Girls State media groups posed questions for the speakers. Sample questions included what their positions do, how their parties' platforms evolve over time and how youth can get involved in the political process. As in any debate, the speakers toyed around the questions and threw around some friendly banter. When they hit key issues, delegates cheered and even gave multiple standing ovations. Overall, citizens of Boys and Girls State seemed to be interested in and entertained by the debate.
Once they returned for lunch, CGS citizens donned their best walking shoes and traveled the mile and a half to the Nebraska State Capitol Building. Today the temperature reached up to 99 degrees! The delegates still acted cool despite the heat and successfully made it to the Capitol for inauguration in the rotunda. The state officials were sworn into office by Supreme Court Chief Justice Emma Redinger. Joined by her mother and other family, Cornhusker Girls State Governor Taylor Schendt gave her inaugural address. Schendt discussed how honored and proud she was to have been elected, spoke of how inspiring her fellow citizens were and gave closing advice to the rest of Girls State.
After the colors were retired, delegates split into their respective offices. Citizens met current people in their elected or appointed positions and spent time all across Lincoln visiting offices. Simultaneously, the Supreme Court met and the Legislature had session in the old legislative chambers. The state senators proposed, amended and passed or vetoed the bills that they wrote on Wednesday. The final bills will be read at graduation on Saturday.
The last journey for the day was to the Nebraska National Guard base near the Lincoln airport. Citizens were picked up in National Guard buses and escorted to the base by lively, comical drivers. Once they arrived, they were given tours of the hangar and were able to climb inside military helicopters such as the UH-72 Lakota. They also saw the tools used to dump water over wildfires, talked to military medical staff and tried on pilots helmets. Citizens were even able to sit in the cockpit of the huge in-air refueling aircrafts stationed at the base. CGS delegates marched with the soldiers to their last stop at the base, a building where they could see the Joint Operations Center and talk with recruiters. Top the evening off with serenading bus drivers on the way back to Sandoz Hall, and you will have many citizens claiming it as the most fun event and best day so far!
Once they returned for lunch, CGS citizens donned their best walking shoes and traveled the mile and a half to the Nebraska State Capitol Building. Today the temperature reached up to 99 degrees! The delegates still acted cool despite the heat and successfully made it to the Capitol for inauguration in the rotunda. The state officials were sworn into office by Supreme Court Chief Justice Emma Redinger. Joined by her mother and other family, Cornhusker Girls State Governor Taylor Schendt gave her inaugural address. Schendt discussed how honored and proud she was to have been elected, spoke of how inspiring her fellow citizens were and gave closing advice to the rest of Girls State.
After the colors were retired, delegates split into their respective offices. Citizens met current people in their elected or appointed positions and spent time all across Lincoln visiting offices. Simultaneously, the Supreme Court met and the Legislature had session in the old legislative chambers. The state senators proposed, amended and passed or vetoed the bills that they wrote on Wednesday. The final bills will be read at graduation on Saturday.
The last journey for the day was to the Nebraska National Guard base near the Lincoln airport. Citizens were picked up in National Guard buses and escorted to the base by lively, comical drivers. Once they arrived, they were given tours of the hangar and were able to climb inside military helicopters such as the UH-72 Lakota. They also saw the tools used to dump water over wildfires, talked to military medical staff and tried on pilots helmets. Citizens were even able to sit in the cockpit of the huge in-air refueling aircrafts stationed at the base. CGS delegates marched with the soldiers to their last stop at the base, a building where they could see the Joint Operations Center and talk with recruiters. Top the evening off with serenading bus drivers on the way back to Sandoz Hall, and you will have many citizens claiming it as the most fun event and best day so far!
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
We're halfway there!
Wednesday marks the halfway point of the week here at Cornhusker Girls State but the journey is far from over. The citizens were rewarded for all of their hard work so far and had a more relaxing morning on their floors. During this time, those in the running for the general election were able to campaign to the other citizens who were gathered in their floor lounges. One special campaign event that occurred this morning was the rapid fire campaign. All the candidates for state positions were escorted by staff to each floor one at a time and were asked questions about their political beliefs, strengths, and knowledge of their position. They had three minutes to answer before they were led to the next floor of citizens. General elections followed the campaigning.
Delegates were given an opportunity to intermix and get to know people from the other towns at Girls State during dot discussions. The senior counselors led conversations about a variety of current relevant issues including Veterans Affairs services, teen suicide, and what question they would ask the President if able. Once returned to their floors, the problem-solving continued while the elected city school board worked with their floors. Citizens collaborated to help schools with real life problems such as bullying and consolidation.
After a lunch break, the citizens left their floors and traveled to the Union for their afternoon assembly. Whispers traveled and faces were tense but eager- the general election results were about to be announced. All races were exciting but the governor race was the one that had everyone biting their tongues.
"And the winner is... Taylor Schendt!" A very happy Schendt hugged and shook hands with those around her and received congratulations from the room. The mood switched again when 2015 Girls Nation delegates Kamryn Sannicks and Kelsey Thomas spoke about their experiences and why Girls Nation is such a beneficial time. Over 50 citizens then nominated themselves to be the 2016 delegates.
State senators were dismissed after this time to write bills that they will propose during a mock legislative session on Thursday. While the senators were working, the rest of CGS heard Sarah McDonalds and Carlin Daharsh speak. Both are former Cornhusker Girls Staters and are currently active in politics. The citizens listened intently while McDonalds and Daharsh jointly shared about their lives as well as how women have important and empowering roles in society. At the end of session, the entire state broke into a CGS dancing celebration! Once the delegates had sufficiently sung and cheered their hearts out, they headed off to their last day of activities, dinner, and their second joint session with Boys State.
The session began with the concert by the Boys and Girls State Band directed by Jim Kucera. The group played patriotic songs and Hail Varsity and got a standing ovation after every piece. Following the band were greetings by several Husker athletes and coaches. Among those who shared advice were head volleyball coach John Cook, head football coach Mike Riley, and head men's basketball coach Tim Miles! The next man on stage was equally as successful on the UNL campus, choir director Peter Eklund. Eklund conducted the Boys and Girls State Choir in a beautiful and moving concert.
The final event of the day was one that delegates had been looking forward to all week: the address by the Honorable Pete Ricketts, Governor of the State of Nebraska. Ricketts was escorted on stage by the governors of Boys and Girls State where he told of the tradition, honor, and opportunity of speaking there every year. He shared with the delegates insights about leadership along with his personal journey that led him to the governor position. Furthermore, he opened up the floor for questioning. "What are you doing to help small businesses hurt by the federal minimum wage increase?" and requests to explain and justify actions of his administration were included in the questions asked. Ricketts' speech was a combination of qualities - relevant, interesting, and light-hearted at times - all of which joined to create a very beneficial evening.
Delegates were given an opportunity to intermix and get to know people from the other towns at Girls State during dot discussions. The senior counselors led conversations about a variety of current relevant issues including Veterans Affairs services, teen suicide, and what question they would ask the President if able. Once returned to their floors, the problem-solving continued while the elected city school board worked with their floors. Citizens collaborated to help schools with real life problems such as bullying and consolidation.
After a lunch break, the citizens left their floors and traveled to the Union for their afternoon assembly. Whispers traveled and faces were tense but eager- the general election results were about to be announced. All races were exciting but the governor race was the one that had everyone biting their tongues.
"And the winner is... Taylor Schendt!" A very happy Schendt hugged and shook hands with those around her and received congratulations from the room. The mood switched again when 2015 Girls Nation delegates Kamryn Sannicks and Kelsey Thomas spoke about their experiences and why Girls Nation is such a beneficial time. Over 50 citizens then nominated themselves to be the 2016 delegates.
State senators were dismissed after this time to write bills that they will propose during a mock legislative session on Thursday. While the senators were working, the rest of CGS heard Sarah McDonalds and Carlin Daharsh speak. Both are former Cornhusker Girls Staters and are currently active in politics. The citizens listened intently while McDonalds and Daharsh jointly shared about their lives as well as how women have important and empowering roles in society. At the end of session, the entire state broke into a CGS dancing celebration! Once the delegates had sufficiently sung and cheered their hearts out, they headed off to their last day of activities, dinner, and their second joint session with Boys State.
The session began with the concert by the Boys and Girls State Band directed by Jim Kucera. The group played patriotic songs and Hail Varsity and got a standing ovation after every piece. Following the band were greetings by several Husker athletes and coaches. Among those who shared advice were head volleyball coach John Cook, head football coach Mike Riley, and head men's basketball coach Tim Miles! The next man on stage was equally as successful on the UNL campus, choir director Peter Eklund. Eklund conducted the Boys and Girls State Choir in a beautiful and moving concert.
The final event of the day was one that delegates had been looking forward to all week: the address by the Honorable Pete Ricketts, Governor of the State of Nebraska. Ricketts was escorted on stage by the governors of Boys and Girls State where he told of the tradition, honor, and opportunity of speaking there every year. He shared with the delegates insights about leadership along with his personal journey that led him to the governor position. Furthermore, he opened up the floor for questioning. "What are you doing to help small businesses hurt by the federal minimum wage increase?" and requests to explain and justify actions of his administration were included in the questions asked. Ricketts' speech was a combination of qualities - relevant, interesting, and light-hearted at times - all of which joined to create a very beneficial evening.
Monday, June 6, 2016
Case of the Mondays
The citizens of Cornhusker Girls State 2016 awoke early this morning to tackle their first full day of activities. They didn't waste any time getting to work and began city elections at 8:00 this morning. Candidates and citizens alike received ballots, voted and were left to anxiously await the results given at the afternoon assembly. In the meantime, those running for state and county positions filed for office with the help of several American Legion Auxiliary members.
After everyone had successfully filed for office, the citizens of Pierce, Lincoln, Grant and Garfield hiked to the Nebraska State Capitol Building while the citizens of Buchanan, Johnson, Hayes and Arthur returned to their floors to take the annual current events quiz. This is the first year in which delegates have been able to visit the capitol for tours. Once there, they received an exclusive historical tour of the building and were able to freely visit the rotunda and observation deck to see the view from the tallest building in Lincoln. After the tours, the groups switched places and the citizens who were at the capitol were given an opportunity to take the quiz. The current events quiz consists of questions pulled from local news stations as well as several newspapers.
Lunchtime was anticipated by many CGS citizens after working up an appetite all morning and was a great mental break to continue meeting new people and campaigning. Before long, the delegates were at it again with our short afternoon assembly. The citizens of Pierce provided our opening and closing ceremonies which sandwiched our city election results. The elected officials beamed as their names were announced to the entire girls state! Following closing ceremonies, the citizens split into Nationalists and Federalists to attend their party conventions. The 2015 CGS representatives to Girls Nation Kamryn Sannicks and Kelsey Thomas led the meetings and helped facilitate discussion throughout. During party conventions, delegates elected party officers, voted on party platforms and drew artwork to represent the party.
Citizens spent another afternoon in their activities making music, going on scavenger hunts or writing newspaper articles before eating dinner. Anticipation was high in the air during this time as the delegates awaited their first joint session with Cornhusker Boys State! Dr. JoAnne Owens-Nauslar spoke for her fifth consecutive year for CGS and 21st consecutive year for CBS. She packed a punch of enthusiasm, information and her own personal charm as she led an interactive presentation with all the citizens. Dr. Jo received multiple standing ovations!
To end the evening, county and state candidates for office donned their best campaign tactics and, in some cases, costumes to convince others to give them a vote. The last event on the docket was town meetings led by the elected mayors on each floor. Mayors led open discussion with their fellow citizens, helped find a solution and voted on a town issue. Even with a very busy day today, there is an equally thrilling day that awaits Girls State tomorrow!
City election results 2016
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Georgia Chambers | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CITY COUNCIL: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ashtyn Decker | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Haley Farr | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Courtney Philips | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ciera Shaw | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ana-Alicia Stobbe | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SCHOOL BOARD: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Olivia Heard | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sydney A. Lukasiewicz | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rebecca Meusch | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Madison Mills | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SENATOR: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Darienne Saint Blair | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Regan Dierks | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Jasmyn Gravitt | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Briella Jones | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ragan Pohlmann | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ashley Sweet
|
Sunday, June 5, 2016
Girls State officially underway
This afternoon buses and cars from all over the state brought citizens to Sandoz Hall on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus. Cornhusker Girls State 2016 is officially underway. A total of 398 delegates assembled from towns small and large, said goodbye to parents and family members and set out to have an unforgettable week. This is a very special year as it is the 75th annual CGS sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary!
The citizens began the week by finding their place in a city, county and political party unique to Girls State. Soon everyone was getting acquainted with those on their floor and meeting their counselors at their first town meeting. They were quick to set to work and soon were able to file for city offices, such as mayor and school board. After filing the excited delegates went their separate ways and headed off to activities. The activities that they will be participating in this week are newspaper, band, chorus, places of interest, and service learning. Before long, the citizens returned to enjoy a pizza party on their floor.
After dinner the delegates made the journey to the Nebraska Union where they participated in the opening ceremonies and first assembly. They became familiar with the entire staff and counselors that help make CGS possible and heard previews of what this week has in store for them. The citizens also learned many new facts, including how to correctly say the Pledge of Allegiance without a space in "One Nation Under God." Lancaster County Election Commissioner David Shively spoke to the state during the assembly, addressing voter registration, voter turnout, and how to take part in the political process. The assembly went out with a bang with a fashion show put on by the junior counselors!
Once returning to Sandoz Hall campaigning went into full swing as delegates swiftly made posters to line the halls on their floor. Whistle Stop campaigns began and those running for city office went door to door to encourage citizens to vote for them. From candy giveaways to animal costumes, all were creative in getting their name on the table. City elections will be held tomorrow morning where citizens will cast their votes for deserving candidates.
After an end of the day town meeting the delegates headed off with newly developed friendships and excitement for the week to come.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)