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. 

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.

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.

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

County line: Brown Park county

Campaigning had been competitive all week. With girls screaming their slogans, throwing candy and even dressing up in costumes it created a fun filled night. Although, campaigning can be very competitive it is also an exciting reason to meet new people. Brown-Park county consisted of some amazing and talented citizens. The delegates were all on different floors, but they worked well together. Being located in Sandoz Hall, the citizens get more than our daily walk in. Many of the sessions were held at The Union. While many delegates started day three off early with blistered feet and barely any sleep, they voted for their county officials on Tuesday.

            The campaign aftermath littered the floor with candy and poster board. Brown Park delegates took the initiative to clean and remove the trash. Working together, the county accomplished reestablishing a clean and healthy environment. The counselors often remind the delegates to be “classy, not trashy”. Brown-Park county stuck to this by keeping the area “classy”.

            Th general election was a success. All floors represented well not only with county, but also with the state. Citizens were asked how they were successful at campaigning, many citizens said by keeping it simple. All citizens had long days and were tired by the time campaigning came around. By keeping the campaign simple many citizens were able to focus on the candidate.

            Although, all delegates are leaders, Brown-Park county consists of many diverse personalities. Delegates worked together to become a great county by using their strength to make the county a better place. All the diverse personalities were a great experience for everyone to work with and learn about. Four floors created a bond as a county that will never be broken. 

ByL By: Kelsie Kaster

Citizens who are heard: fourth floor profile

Many floors have been silent until they interacted with one another, like talking to their roommate or at their first town meeting. Floor Four of Clinton had no trouble at all. If one roommate arrived without the other the first would wait for them and greet them with big smiles. Delegates congregated in the lobby after everyone had unpacked. It started out with simple questions such as 'What’s your name?', 'Where are you from?' and 'What room are you?' These may seem like simple questions, but it did not stop there. Conversations delved into each others lives immediately. Citizens learned about all the members on their floor. Clinton is just one big, happy family and love to be heard cheering and laughing--whether or not the time is right.

The first round of whistle stop campaigns was a success on fourth floor. All city office candidates went door-to-door to state why they should be elected to the office of their choice. The citizens asked many questions and were ready and poised on their beds, waiting for the candidates. A frequently asked question was “What will you do for our community?”. Many of the delegates were indecisive, but after given time to think many said that they would offer help to their all unfortunate citizens and community improvements such as beautifying and community service. 

The citizens also used may different strategies when campaigning. Faith Johnson had a different look on her campaign strategies; she was on the run and stopped by each citizen’s room at least three times. Julie Schinder used the strategy of constant reminders. She put all kinds of reminders around the floor, from sticking signs on all the doors to putting large signs on walls surrounded by tiny signs with her name plastered all over them. Faith Johnson won the Mayor position and Julie Schinder won a spot on the city council.

Floor Four are the citizens to be heard. The delegates who ran for city offices were very well prepared,  even though they were short on time.

By: Sydney Boden

Federalists elect leaders, affirm platform

When it comes to knowing what to do with what you have, Cornhusker Girls State Federalists understand how to make the best of any situation. This was proven true by the 2014 Federalist motto: We didn’t choose the Fed life, the Fed life chose us. In accordance with the motto, seven Girls State delegates were voted by their Federalist peers into office.

    Led by Federalist advisor and temporary chairperson Heidi Kaschke, the Federalist delegates opened the convention in the Union Ballroom and elected their fellow Federalist officials. Bethany Vinton of Brown-Park County represented the fifth floor and the city of Clinton by being named Federalist State Chairperson. 

Vinton said she qualified for the position of state chairperson because she is currently the president of the parliamentary procedure group at her high school and has served in various positions. Under the direction of Vinton, the elections and volunteerings of vice chairperson, secretary-treasurer and platform committee followed.

    The convention continued by discussing a myriad of platforms. Delegates spoke passionately about their beliefs and decided on affirming three platforms: lowering the majority age to 18, allowing teachers to have conceal and carry licenses and ballistics in school and requiring high schools to allow driver’s education as an elective class.

    Other platforms discussed, but not approved, were the legalization of recreational and medicinal marijuana and the repeal of the government’s power to seize private land for corporal use by means of eminent domain.

    Debates concluded with the presentation of the Federalist emblem. The emblem consisted of Rosie the Riveter rendition with stars and the Federalist motto surrounding her. The thirteen Federalist candidates then for governor introduced themselves to their party, giving their name, hometown, Girls State city and the convention was called to adjourn. 

By: Allegra Hardin

And the winner is: state election results

Elected state officials for Cornhusker Girls State 2014. Congratulations to all the elected.

GOVERNOR: Abigail Allen

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR: Emily Kay

SECRETARY OF STATE: McKenna Powell

STATE TREASUER: Tymber Long

STATE AUDITOR: Katelyn Pohlmann

STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL: Elsa Knight

PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSIONERS: Ashley Groves, Carissa Carlin, Emily Puls, Phoebe Eichhorst and Ashley Glesinger

New mayor of Jefferson mediates problems

It was initially about ‘getting to know the girls’ for recently elected Jefferson mayor Ria Pedersen. Pedersen knew before arriving on the seventh floor town she would not pursue a position at the county or state level.

“I knew that I wanted to stay on the city level so that way I could get to know the girls a lot better on a personal level,” Pedersen said.

Pedersen’s reasoning was only exemplified in the way she campaigned. Instead of throwing candy in other citizens’ faces she had one-on-one talks, explained why she was running and made sure she answered any questions to make a good impression and then “go from there.”

“[I told them]…‘this is me—this is what I’m running for,’” she said.

Although, her hope to know her fellow citizens was a justifiable reason to apply for mayor everything was not smooth sailing. Two other girls applied for the position as well so the competition among the girls could have been anyone’s win for the taking.

Despite this, Pedersen kept her confidence level up.  She remembered she was involved in numerous activities at her high school which required leadership roles. Pedersen knew she could run meetings and was comfortable in doing the campaign.

“I’ve always been a bubbly, outgoing type of person,” said Pedersen. The difference to her, however, did come with how fast the process moved.

“It was—get on the floor, decide what to do, decide what you want to do. It was fast and furious, but at the same time really fun.”

After winning the campaign, Pedersen had to deal with the first issue for the city the night after being appointed.

For the exercise, a pond was filling with sediment and multiple solutions were presented. To resolve the problem Pedersen amended one of the proposed solutions.

“I thought it went pretty well,” said Pedersen. “It was a new experience for all of us.”

For the future, Pedersen talked about continuing to solve problems in an effective way and mediate between people.

More importantly Pedersen learned to use Parliamentary procedure to run meetings and to ‘get out there’ from the election

The campaign’s impact has reached beyond Cornhusker Girls State and influenced Pedersen to pursue politics.

“I’m still intimidated by big things,” she said laughing. But she said she could definitely see herself running for something like school board or county commissioner.   

Story by Jordan Young

And the winner is: State primary results

Tuesday morning delegates voted in the primary elections for state positions. The nominations are separated by party.

Nationalist Party

GOVERNOR: Abigail Allen

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR: Emily Kay

STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL: Sarah Mullen

SECRETARY OF STATE: McKenna Powell

STATE TREASURER: Grace Kraus

STATE AUDITOR: Johanna Kluck

PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSIONER: Ashley Groves, Emily Puls and Samantha Snogren

Federalist Party

GOVERNOR: Bethany Vinton

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR: Emma Franklin

STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL: Elsa Knight

SECRETARY OF STATE: Carrie Feldmann

STATE TREASURER: Tymber Long

STATE AUDITOR: Katelyn Pohlman

PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSIONER: Carissa Carlin, Mariah Curtis, Phoebe Eichorst, Ashley Glensinger and Brooke Wehrbein

Monday, June 2: CGS Day Two

They moved in, got acquainted and only slept an average of three hours. Cornhusker Girls State has officially began. The morning started with voting for city officials. The night prior, delegates campaigning for city offices went door-to-door talking to other citizens.

After city official ballots were in and counted other delegates went to file for county and state offices like governor and county assessor.

After filing was completed, campaigning could begin. But before campaigns started the delegates had to break into their party affiliations for party platform meetings.

Monday was the first joint session with the male citizens of Cornhusker Boys State. Renowned public speaker Aaron Davis spoke to the delegates about the qualities of a leader and his experiences. Senate candidates Ben Sasse and Dave Domina also educated the delegates on topics that concern Nebraska and the nation.

Monday also began the first round of rapid fire campaigns. The delegates used all sorts of methods from candy to rocks to get their messages across.

And the winners are: City election results

Complete listing of all the titles and title holders voted in for city offices Monday, June 2, 2014.

City of Reagan

MAYOR: Raelyn Haubensak

CITY COUNCIL: Natalie Brodersen, Bailey Craig, Emily Locke, Lydia Nokels, Sara Trojan

SCHOOL BOARD: Madisyn Ayres, Mckenz Gorecki, Hannah King, Laura Peters

SENATORS: Jordan Burgener, Pamela Felix, Blair Hofstetter, Allison Johnson, Taylor Mclaughlin, Maekayla Ward

City of Bush

MAYOR: Isabel Safarik

CITY COUNCIL: Brenna Backemeyer, Hanna Hake, Samantha Husband, Kjia A. Meduna. Sheridan Wellnitz

SCHOOL BOARD: Madi Casper, Meri Hietbrink, Rebecca Still, Abby Walter

SENATORS: Madisen Clevenger, Jessica Moss, Kristin Rice, Naomi K. Schaub, Kaitlyn Stuhr, Nyla Witzel

City of Clinton

MAYOR: Faith Johnson

CITY COUNCIL: Jana Finke, Kennedy Garner, Shelby Hinrichs, Abbie Sanders, Julie Schindler

SCHOOL BOARD: Cassidy Chapman, Sadie Petersen, Lindsey Trotter, Emily Wells

SENATORS: Payton Baier, Justine Bauer, Rebekah Birch, Caylynn Cruse, Makaela Franzen, Jenna Widick

City of Washington

MAYOR: Molly Schiermeyer

CITY COUNCIL: Anna Hubbard, Hannah Price, Jordan Reeves, Jacklyn Sonnenfeld, Jerrica Tietz

SCHOOL BOARD: Lauren Bengston, Ashley Shaffer, Peyton Skiles, Abby Werkmeister

SENATORS: Madison Fitzgibbons, Christina Hamling, Reilly Jankins, Bekah Turnbull, Lindsay Weber, Michelle Xiao

City of Adams

MAYOR: Lauren Sprinkle

CITY COUNCIL: Rachael Cole, Amelia Hunt, Jenna Podany, Channah Schager, Hayley Wagner

SCHOOL BOARD: Ktherine Baker, Brittany Hanzlik, Jessa Johnston, Nicole Yablonski

SENATORS: Megan Canfield, Samantha Due, Baliey Graff, Jaysa Hoins, Whitney Ronso, Melanie Slama

City of Jefferson

MAYOR: Ria Pedersen

CITY COUNCIL: Sydney Dunn. Michaela Flick, Emily B. Houtby, Coutney Schellpeper, Rebecca Williams

SCHOOL BOARD: Sarah Book, Jennifer Knopik, Letishia Lindhorst, Mariah Miller

SENATORS: Kelsy Gansebom, Jenna Purdy, Ascha Schumm, Jessica Shonka, Kaitlin Strong, Brooklyn Westenburg

City of Madison

MAYOR: Baylee Barcel

CITY COUNCIL: Anna Flairty, Rebekah Hutchinson, Hannah Shimmel, Cassidy Walla, Tasha Ward

SCHOOL BOARD: Brianna Barker, Macenzie Christensen, Madison Johnson, Ashton Lindsay

SENATORS: Taylor Guest, Kendra Hoffert, Citlali Pena, Shantelle Roy, Mikayala Scafer, Cacey Vavra

City of Monroe

MAYOR: Madison Schlake

CITY COUNCIL: Sydney Glatter, Elsie Hermsmeier, Emma Loberg, Ashley Starr, Emilie Wilson

SCHOOL BOARD: Mackenzie Gydesen, Halee Keller, Malinda Short, Nicki Stolzer

SENATORS: Larissa Attema, Nicole Beed, Elisabeth Cope. Katie Ruth, Rachel Shackelford, Lauren White, Morgan Zabel