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.

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.

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.

Girls, girls, girls are all I see

The citizens of Cornhusker Girls State have logged another day in the books for the 2015 session. With each day comes more knowledge, new experiences and of course new friendships. Smiles are found on every floor and there is no doubt that the citizens are enjoying themselves.

The delegates started off their day with the primary elections for county and state offices. The delegates took to the polls with the hope of sending their favorite candidate from their party to the general election. Girls lined up in their halls, filled out their ballots and received an “I voted” sticker to show off the rest of the day from the American Legion Auxiliary volunteers.

Once voting was complete it was off to morning session where the CGS citizens witnessed the POW/MIA empty table ceremony. Throughout the eloquent ceremony, delegates reverently honored those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country’s freedom. Following the presentation the citizens partook in the most feared item on the week’s agenda: the government test. The exam included over 30 questions on all things Nebraska government. A few citizens were even able to name all of Nebraska’s representatives in congress and the senate.

After lunch the girls returned back to the University of Nebraska Union the election committee announced the winners of the primary election. Floors cheered on their fellow delegates whose names will be on tomorrow’s ballot and would be campaigning for another night. The excitement in the room grew as the delegates prepared for a special presentation. Megan Swanson, past CGS citizen and current Miss Nebraska joined the delegates for the afternoon to discuss total body wellness. The citizens were moved by Swanson’s message of not letting the negativity of others bring them down. She encouraged citizens to set goals and work toward them every day. At the end of her presentation, Swanson played an original song on her guitar for the citizens. While competing for Miss America, Swanson placed in the top ten in the talent portion with her singing abilities. During her song, multiple delegates whipped out their phones to capture a short video while looks of admiration covered their faces. Following Swanson’s speech many CGS delegates raced to the hallway to snap a photo with the beauty queen. A citizen remarked, “You’re my idol.” as tears filled her eyes.

Tuesday’s excitement also included learning all of the Girls State Songs. With the help of the Junior Counselors, delegates learned the official Girls State song, and “America” (along with sign language). The counselors added in a few fun songs to the mix which included the t-shirt song, the dynamite chant and a crowd favorite, “Girls, Girls, Girls”.

Following activities and dinner it was back to the union for more CGS fun and excitement. This evening’s program featured the gubernatorial debate between Federalist candidate Kamryn Sannicks, and Nationalist candidate Macie Clawson. The two took questions from the citizens and voiced their stance on issues ranging from Common Core to US currency.

After the governor candidates made their closing statements. CGS citizens returned to Mari Sandoz Hall for more campaigning to prepare for tomorrow’s general election. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s announcement of general election winners and the 2015 CGS Governor.

Confusion and roommates: the Tyler counselor story

Story by Sarah Van Horn

Oftentimes, activities can be explained in as little as two words: boy’s basketball, sculpture club, debate team. However, there are exceptions to many norms, including Girls State.

“I knew it existed; that’s about it,” Middle Counselor Tina Woodside, 21, said. Woodside was a delegate from Columbus in 2011 and became a counselor in 2013.

“Someone said to me, ‘you like politics, you have leadership experience. Apply.’ My brother went to Boys State so I figured it wouldn’t hurt [to apply].”

When Woodside graduates from college she plans on becoming a lawyer. But Woodside never plans on leaving the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA). She hopes to continue being a counselor; once settled, she hopes to become involved with her local ALA post.

“I love this program,” Woodside said. “I’m shy and weird and awkward. But State encourages weird; everyone is a little awkward; State makes you branch out. I still text girls that were on my floor two years ago.”

Incidentally, Junior Counselor Kylie Hanson, 19, is also still in contact with girls she met two years ago at Girls State, except Hanson was a delegate from Grant.

“My roommate and I are still really close,” Hanson said.

While the two were roommates Hanson was comforted after she lost her campaigning for a public service position. Hanson made through the first round, then lost going to the general election.

“I was really upset,” Hanson said.

However, Hanson was not disappointed about it very long.

“My assigned position was a director’s position – deputy director,” Hanson said. “I was all like, ‘I lost, but now I’m your boss!’ I was incredibly stoked.”

As matter-of-fact Hanson was so ‘stoked’ that she has vowed to never forget her experiences at Girls State. She has learned leadership and perseverance.

“I [felt] so accomplished when I left State,” Hanson said. “I grew so much; being a counselor I have/will learn so much more. My roommate didn’t come back to State with me, but that’s OK. She’s still pretty chill.”

Another time where roommates have been helpful to Tyler Girls State Counselors happened with Senior Counselor Cydney Volker, 31. Volker’s college roommate called her while Volker was at her Lincoln home..

“Funny story: My roommate called,” Volker said, “someone backed out of volunteering for the week. I said yeah; I had no clue what it was but I thought it’d be fun – I never went during high school.”

Volker has been a Senior Counselor since 2009.

“I’m going to keep coming back until I can’t keep up with them,” Volker said. “I’ve met so many great friends. Everyone is enthusiastic and energetic. But I’m OK with a week – we’d all go crazy if we stayed together forever.”

Counselors at Girls State are different, something that Woodside, Hanson and Volker have in common is that they were clueless about Girls State, met people they will not forget and do not plan on leaving all the ‘great friends’ they have met anytime soon.

“I’ve met about 1,500 girls,” Woodside said. “And it’d be great if I could ever see all of them again.”

The city of Jackson

By: Sophie Tonjes

The Girls State city of Jackson, also known as floor three, has a very unique persona. Many girls from all over Nebraska came together to not only make new friends, but to make a sisterhood that would last a lifetime. The diverse and unique personalities that contribute to Jackson are what brings the citizens closer.

Jackson had no problem creating bonds on the first night of Girls State. New friendships were made between peers, and old friendships were brought back together by the coincidence of being placed on the same floor. Most of the new bonds came about when all of Sandoz had to be evacuated for inspection by the fire department. Citizens had plenty of time to make conversations with others they had yet to meet and really got to know each other.

Jackson is a floor that is full of many outgoing delegates. They all have loud voices and are constantly laughing together. Jackson enjoys calling their Senior Counselor Liz Schlamann, “Mom” while having conversations with her. Many citizens showed their true identities while campaigning to their fellow Jackson delegates. One citizen ran around in a banana suit playing “Hollaback Girl”.  A dynamic duo campaigned together who ironically brought matching shirts. Delegates sang solos to every room and of course, bribed everyone with candy. Jackson is also known as the town where the current Miss Nebraska Megan Swanson resided while attending Girls State in 2010.

In only a few days, many bonds between the citizens were made that are ensured to last a lifetime. Citizens met diverse personalities that they instantly clicked with to make their city the best. Through the many laughs and smiles the delegates on Jackson have had, they have made a sisterhood that will never be broken.

Van Buren puts the “party” in political party

By Rachel Kathman

“Oh the places you’ll go…” The Doctor Seuss-themed fourth floor of Sandoz Hall is composed of 50 diverse, fun-loving girls that make up the city of Van Buren. Van Buren is a very energetic and happy place where there is never a dull moment. All the personalities vary greatly, but that just makes things more interesting.

The citizens are very social and everyone has been hard at work trying to make new friends and getting to know everyone on the floor. Coming up with cheers is a favorite pastime in Van Buren. Even though the cheers are not always the best, it is still a lot of fun trying to think of clever sayings and chants. There is lots of laughs, but also a strong drive to learn about campaigning and the government.

When their first problem was presented to them on Monday night, the city worked quickly and efficiently to find a reasonable solution. Everyone gave their opinions and soon a compromise was reached. It is this kind of teamwork that sets Van Buren apart. They work together and talk it out until everything is resolved.

“I like our floor,” stated Van Buren citizen Maria Mickles. “The girls are very open and easy to talk to.”

“The fourth floor is the bomb,” added Van Buren Mayor Samantha Young.

Van Buren is a truly great city to live in. The delegates on the floor have formed a great bond and memories that will last a lifetime.

The Harrison Hawks will not be forgotten

By: Whitney Walker Moore

Harrison is home to many delegates, each with their own unique personalities. It also houses Carol Nienhueser, Hailey King and Skyler Peterson, the three counselors. Harrison is located on the fifth floor and their mascot is the Hawks. As soon as Girls State began, the floor of Harrison immediately clicked. Girls State is a time to make new friends with friendly faces and that is just what the delegates on floor five are doing.

Campaigning started off right away on Sunday night. Soon the bare, white walls became filled with every color imaginable. Those running for a city office campaigned on the first night. Whether it be for Mayor, City Council, School Board or Senators, the delegates of floor five were on their way. Between making signs with roommates or bribing people with Smarties, many friendships were made. 

Monday night, Harrison was faced with its first community problem. This meeting was lead by Mayor Tara Taylor. This community problem dealt with whether or not to keep the historical city hall building. Many discussions were on the floor but one thing was for sure: to keep the historical building in the community. To preserve the community's history is a must and this is exactly what Harrison did.

Bonding was an effortless and natural concept for this particular group of delegates. Between bonding over late night cheering sessions to campaigning on the floors, this floor is a close knit group of delegates. The bonds made on floor five are ones that will last a lifetime. The 2015 Harrison Hawk’s group will not be forgotten.

Floor seven sketch

By Amelia Baker

Floor seven, town of Polk, is a floor full of ambitious, constantly laughing delegates who open their doors to see the numerous faces walking past. They are not scared to voice their opinion or bring up controversial topics when asked. These citizens are happy to be here at Girls State and are also ready to campaign for their desired positions such as: mayor, senator, county commissioner, state attorney general or state assessor. The three counselors, Junior Counselor Nicole, Middle Counselor Helen and Senior Counselor Michelle keep the Floor seven delegates in line and moving on time.

The first night of campaigning involved door-to-door campaigning, excellent candy and clever slogans. Each girl was excited for her position even on the first night, and some banded together to create memorable slogans that citizens on floor seven would remember. For example, G.U.S., an acronym involving a few girls’ names, Grace Ward, Reagan Ulhmann and Shelby Sullivan, ran for City Council. While campaigning the citizens helped each other with posters, ideas and taping posters around the halls. The second night of campaigning was all about county and federal positions. It was hectic, but exciting. floor seven was showered with candy and rhyming name slogans to help all the candidates receive the highest vote.  

If the delegates of floor seven had a theme it would be togetherness. The citizens quickly found familiar faces on the first day and were ready to meet other girls on the floor. When they first introduced themselves, saying their name and favorite movie, they were spread out and nervous. Now they have come together and are not afraid to be together and laidback in each other’s rooms or in the lounge area. The self-motivated citizens have a certain dynamic about them and are willing to go outside their comfort zone. The citizens bring up ideas that spark conversation and broad topics while in line waiting for pictures or for meals.

After their second night of campaigning and getting acquainted, the worn out delegates jumped into their first town issue. The delegates discussed numerous solutions and funding ideas to help support a golf course that needed to be built in the town. A few citizens were very passionate, while others were content to just listen and learn. Floor seven came to a conclusion by working with each other’s opinions and voting as one to solve the problem.

Floor nine sketch

By: Kamryn Sannicks

Welcome to Floor Nine! The town of Fillmore would love to have you visit. The floor is full of energetic, enthusiastic and ecstatic girls who are eager to expand their knowledge of the government.

The floor has been decorated by the counselors as a fruit theme. Each of the doors have a different fruit with the girls’ names on them. Right as you get off the elevator or come off the stairs the floor is lively and inviting. As soon as campaigns kicked off the walls became covered in posters. Next came the doors to each of the rooms. All with their respective creative slogans. It was clear from the start each of the girls would have their work cut out for them.

Within the first few hours it was clear the girls would have no issues making friends. Each of the 49 citizens have their own personality yet, there have been no problems bonding. They have been helpful in campaigning not only for themselves but other people on the floor. The girls on the floor have been productive in solving the floor problems as well as listening to everyone when they have an opinion. “We get along and we are open to everyone’s ideas. We have really just created our own family. We are the Fillmore family,” said Katelyn Cronin, of Fillmore.

All in all Floor nine is a wonderful place to have spent the week at Girls State. The girls were all welcoming and helpful to others on the floor. The floor decorations brought the week together. So long and farewell from those on Floor Nine!

Nationalist convention sparks friendships

Nationalists are enthusiastic, intellectual and confident in their opinions. As the party debated their platforms and elected head officials, excitement swirled through the air and unity flourished. 

Many motivated citizens, specifically those who had ever heard the phrase “parliamentary procedure” before, put themselves forward and ran for the positions of State Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and Secretary-Treasurer. During a short “about-me” introduction, each nominee revealed their unique qualifications and dedication to the party. Anne Greff, Jefferson, was voted as President of the Convention, with Abigail Allen of Clinton as Vice President and Emily Blunck of Bush as Secretary-Treasurer.

“I enjoy leading and being active in politics,” Chairperson Greff said. She lead the party deflty through parliamentary procedure and thoughtful discussion. Debate over the topics of veteran health care, agriculture, natural resources and renewable energy was ended quickly with compromise and the unification of ideals. However, mention of foster care reform and standardized testing arose, dissenting opinions were unveiled. Both issues are relevant and applicable topics to many teenage lives. The party presented many unexpected and practical comments to ponder regarding the subjects.

Once debates simmered and the Nationalists reviewed their platform, it became evident that friendships had formed and the party members could look forward to an inspiring and impacting week. 

“[The Nationalist party members] were willing to work together and came up with a lot of good ideas,” Vice Chairperson Allen said. 

The slogan “One Party. One Nation. One World.” quickly implanted itself in the hearts of Nationalists, and that spirit will continue long after the party convention and graduation from Girls State.

By: Sarah Mullen

Strong majority: floor two profile

 The city of Reagan has been in full swing since the new citizens of 2014 Cornhusker Girls State arrived. Monday floor two citizens were faced with their first town problem. The challenge Reagan faced together as a town dealt with the run-down, historic courthouse in Valentine and making it handicap accessible. Many ideas were tossed around and discussed among the group and by working together delegates found the best solution for Valentine's needs. 

 

            Tuesday in the Union ballroom, results were announced for county, non-partisan and state primary election. Citizens of Reagan were in full force, representing Brown-Park County. Thirteen delegates proudly represented floor two in county, non-partisan and state positions in the general election. Nine of those 13 girls won the general election Wednesday and proudly took their positions in state and county government. 

Sadie Vargas, a resident of Reagan, said, “Honestly I wasn’t surprised because we have great and outgoing girls on our floor with a huge support system behind them.” 

By: Claire Moore

Counselor and staff profile sketches: part two

We all come to Cornhusker Girls State for one reason or another. The Girls State Gazette team will profile different staff and counselors. By:  Drew Purviance

Annette Gloystein- Senior Counselor

·       Living on the Eight Floor (Madison) this week.

·       Has been helping out with Girls’ State for 12 years

·       From Exeter

·       Self-employed

·       Member of Exeter’s school board

·       Her jobs at Girls’ State includes; supervising, keeping things moving, making sure the delegates are on time.

·       Decorates cakes

Jordanna Glock- Middle Counselor

·       Living on the Ninth Floor (Monroe) this week.

·       Has a little brother at Boys’ State this year, who she plans to embarrass by the end of the week

·       Responsible for making sure the girls are having fun

·       A student at the University of Nebraska at Kearney

·       Gives tours at her college

·       Works as a Certified Nursing Assistant

·       Does a lot of student research

·       From Rising City

·       Has been helping out with Girl’s State for two years

·       Helps the delegates on her floor with voting and filing

Jessica Svehla- Junior Counselor

·       Living on the Second Floor (Reagan) this week

·       Returned to Girls’ State to help out for two years

·       Attends the University of Nebraska

·       Interested in Interior Design

·       She has compressed her spine jumping the wake while wake boarding

·       Helps lead the delegates to their different sessions

·       Works for a wedding planner

·       From Lincoln

·       Helps the delegates get to know each other, and watches for appropriate clothing

·       Works at Memorial Stadium

Virgina Nelsen- Staff Member

·       Living on the Sixth Floor (Adams) this week

·       Originally from New Jersey

·       She is the education director here at Girls’ State

·       Has been involved with Girls’ State since 1999

·       She is a Teachers Aid for K-5

·       Loves the history about the Revolutionary War

·       Writes and grades tests for the delegates here at Girls’ State

·       Adds and subtracts points for the different floors

·       Currently living in Valentine

·       Interested in the history of our country

 

Counselor and staff profile sketches: part one

We all come to Cornhusker Girls State for one reason or another. The Girls State Gazette team will profile different staff and counselors. By: Madeline Kettler

Carol Nienhueser: Senior Counselor, Third Floor (Bush)

·      Attend Girls State as a delegate: No

·      How she became involved: Daughter talked her into a counselor opening

·      Roles as Senior Counselor: Help lead meetings, supervise delegates at sessions, filling in wherever needed

·      Favorite part of Girls State: Going to sessions and watching government put into practice

·      Loves the atmosphere of campaigning

·      Attended University of Nebraska-Lincoln after she graduated from high school

·      Double majored in Elementary Education and Special Education

·      First job: Special Education teacher at Cedar Rapids Public School

·      Morning Person? Yes. Getting up every day for Girls State is no problem for her

Lia Morales: Middle Counselor, Sixth Floor (Adams)

·      Hometown: Harvard

·      Attended Girls State as a delegate in 2008

·      Lived on the ninth floor, city of Harding

·      Roles as Middle Counselor: Making sure everyone is in the right place and everyone is having fun and learning

·      Favorite part of Girls State: Meeting and getting to know the delegates on her floor and watching them come alive over the week

·      Attended University of Nebraska-Lincoln after graduation

·      Majored in Biochemical Engineering

·      Admires Rosalind Franklin, a British biophysicist, for her contribution in helping identify the structure of DNA and making strides in science for women

Bailey Siekman: Junior Counselor, Seventh Floor (Jefferson)

·      Hometown: Bertrand

·      Attended Girls State as a delegate in 2010

·      Lived in the city of Buchanan

·      Roles as Junior Counselor: Dress code patrol, acting as a big sister to the delegates.

·      Favorite part of Girls State: Watching girls come from small towns all over Nebraska and connect with each other on multiple levels

·      Went to Central Community College after graduation

·      Majored in Hospitality

·      Will attend Fort Hays State University in Fort Hays, KS and major in Hospitality and Tourism

·      If she could be any animal, she would be a dog because they get to sleep all the time.

·      HUGE fan of Frozen, especially Olaf

Norma Arlington: Staff Member, ninth floor (Monroe)

·      Member of the Advisory Board for six years

·      Served as a Senior Counselor for 14 years

·      Favorite parts of being a staff member: No cooking, no doing dishes and she has the choice of making her bed

·      Enjoyed working with delegates and attending town meetings as a senior counselor

·      Went to Peru State for two summers and taught school for three years before getting married

·      Enjoys acting and doing something extra in skits and keeping the girls on their toes