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.

Floor seven counselor profiles

Story By: Melissa Hinrichs

Michelle Malone

Michelle Malone is the Senior Counselor for floor seven and has been helping with Girls State for nine years. She has spent seven of those years as a counselor. Malone is from Palmyra and is now living in Omaha. In 2004 she was a citizen at Cornhusker Girls State and was a candidate for County Sheriff, but was not elected to the position.

Malone loves coming to Girls State and working with the citizens. That and the leadership skills learned at Girls State are the reasons she says she chose to become a counselor. Malone identified her favorite part of attending Girls State as being the time she would spend staying up at night talking to the friends she had made.

Malone’s favorite color is most definitely pink. She also enjoys watching football, but she no longer plays many sports. Malone believes that she would most enjoy the superpower of flight, because she likes to travel.

Helen King

Helen King is the Middle Counselor for floor seven and this is her second year as a counselor. King is originally from Shelby and now lives in Kearney. She attended Cornhusker Girls State in 2012 and was elected to City Mayor during her time as a citizen.

King says her reason for wanting to become a counselor here at Girls State is because of how much she enjoyed herself during her time as a citizen. She continued to explain that she wanted to give other citizens the same exciting experiences she had had at this event. King’s favorite part of Girls State as a citizen was one of the speakers she saw. This speaker was Dr. Jo, and King described her presentation as full of energy and motivation.

When King was asked about her favorite color her reply was a definitive, “Pink!” Her favorite activity is crafting and she can be seen wearing some of the things she makes. When asked what superhero would she like to be or what superpower would she want to have,  King’s answer was that she does not know any superheroes, but she would like the power of teleportation. She explained that if she could teleport, she would never have to worry about being late and would not have to run to be on time.

Nicole Shively

Nicole Shively is the Junior Counselor for floor seven and this is her first time being a Girls State counselor. Shively is from Lincoln and attended Cornhusker Girls State in 2013 when she ran for and was elected to a Senator position.

The experiences Shively had during her time at Girls State is one reason why she decided to be a counselor. She also said that Girls State is a great learning experience. Shively’s favorite part of her time as a Girls State citizen was getting to meet people from all over the state; she grew up in Lincoln and had not had the chance to meet many people from other places before.

Shively considers blue to be her favorite color. She is currently studying music, and her favorite activity is marching band. If Shively could have any superpower, she would choose to be able to fly, because she could go anywhere. She also explained that it “would just feel cool.”

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!

Floor two sketch

Story by Dharma Blake-Cole

The citizens in the town of Adams on floor two is a laid back yet energetic group of young ladies. They are very appreciative of the opportunities and learning experiences ALA Cornhusker Girls State has to offer. 

The town of Adams started off getting to know each other in the week before Girls State in a floor wide group chat on Facebook. Those first few days of getting to know each other has allowed for strong relationships to develop among the girls. They have all become one giant family.

Senior Counselor Debi Johnson, Middle Counselor Shirley Gautreaux and Junior Counselor Kathryn Budell have created a fun and open relationship between all the girls on floor two. They are supportive and offer great advice when needed.

Floor two of Girls State has many interesting girls, most of which are sticker crazy. A vast majority of campaign posters are covered in stickers including Hannah Montana stickers, Minion stickers and of course Spongebob stickers.

One of the many things the girls in the Adams family bonded over is their love for Spongebob. They had countless conversations about Spongebob in the group chat and girls were even trading Spongebob stickers in the hallway the first night they arrived to Girls State.

The Adams family on floor two has started friendships that could last a lifetime and continue to learn things about themselves and each other every single day of Girls State.

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

Out with the old, in with the new: CGS buys new ceremony flags

At every Cornhusker Girls State session it is a tradition to honor our nation’s flag along with our American Legion Auxiliary flag by singing the National Anthem and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. The flags previously used were donated by a past department president in 1938 making the flags about 60 years old.

The condition of these aged flags were quite tacky. “We just decided last year that it was about time to get some new flags,” said Roxanne Hiatt, advisory committee chairman. “They were discolored, the edges were fraying and the poles were mismatched. Not to mention the leather tab on top was broken so we had to tie the fray around to try to hold them up,” stated Hiatt

Each year the staff was doing everything they could to the flags just to make it through one more year. At first, everyone was hesitant to agree with the fact that CGS did indeed need new flags. Understandably so for some of the older members who were used to condition of the flags.

In January, the CGS advisory committee had a chance to sit down and check out the flags. Taking a little closer look, it became quite obvious the time was now to ask for an update. In order to hopefully receive these new flags, there was a pretty simple process--asking headquarters. What happened next was up to them. 

“We just asked headquarters to add new flags to the donations list. The units this year sent in well over enough money. So in conclusion, we were able to get them,” Hiatt said.

The ordering and designing process was done entirely online. And as with anything sometimes things don’t line up or end up not quite what was imagined. When the flags arrived, they were not what they were expected. The straight borders of Nebraska came back pixelated and blurry. The company was very compliant and sent replacements right away. The 2014 flag bearers will be the first of many delegates to carry the new flags up and down the aisles.

By: Alyssa Ehlers

Face Off: Senate candidates debate

   

Girls State and Boys State had a joint session at 8:00 pm at the Kimball Recital Hall on Monday, where delegates watched a debate between two Nebraskans who are running for the Senate. The Republican candidate is Ben Sasse and the Democrat candidate is Dave Domina. 

Both candidates participated in Boys State when they were in high school. Both say the promises they make will be what they want to accomplish and they will fulfill all promises and not just let them be empty.

Sasse believes we need to leave the country the same way we received it. Sasse said we can accomplish this through hard work and we can achieve anything we are set out to do.

Domina has been a major influence over the people in our state. He helped with many issues and wrote many new bills that have helped Nebraska. Domina wants to push back cooperative laws to help Nebraskans and build together.

The two delegates gave their views to questions posed by Boys and Girls State delegates. The topics encompassed a broad set of ideas. Both candidates answered seven questions in total.

One question asked about the lack of privacy for security needs. Domina was very against drones and the NSA. He brought up the fourth amendment, which prohibits unreasonable searches by the government. Domina said that we elect the people we want to represent us. Sasse was not as opposed to the lack of privacy because in his opinion there are a lot of bad guys out in the world. The government's job is to protect us, but they need to have a real reason to be going through our private information.

The next hot button issue was the legalization of same-sex marriage and marijuana. Sasse and Domina said these matters should be dealt with at a local or state level. Sasse's thoughts on same-sex marriage were based on the definition of marriage by the state and what will be best for the children. Sasse firmly believes the matter of marijuana is to be dealt at the state level. Domina stated the definition of marriage and children are raised just as well in homes with two parents of any orientation or single parents as they are with two parents of opposite sex. Domina says that the government needs to fix the glitch in the law concerning marijuana.

The final issue focused on military action that the government is taking. Domina stated we need to follow the seven principles of war. The government needs to weigh the outcome for success and the outcome for defeat. Domina said we need to honor treaties we have agreed to. Sasse said the government needs to protect its citizens from major threats. Sasse said that the United States needs to be very cautious of who we give our word to, but if we give our word that we will stand by our word.

By: Vanessa Knutson

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

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