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.

And the winner is...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Group discussions

By: Kamryn Sannicks

At 11:00 a.m. on the morning of June 3, all the Girls State citizens had the opportunity to be put in a discussion group. The purpose of the group was to allow the girls to meet others they may not have met before, as well as facilitating a discussion deeper than what they had been having the rest of the week. Before this group girls had mainly campaigned for themselves or talked in their city meetings.

In the “Yellow Dot” group Liz Schlamaunn, Senior Counselor on floor three, oversaw the discussion. The two topics of discussion were prison reform and suicide in today’s society. During the first topic of prison reform, the overall consensus among the group is that the broken system needs immediate attention. Everyone seemed to agree that public services would be a great way to cut down on prison overcrowding. 

The next topic of discussion was suicide in today’s society. Floor three became very somber and the mood went from rapid fire back and forth, to discussing how suicide has affected them. The citizens discussed how they have worked to decrease the chance of suicide in their schools and communities. The topic was not taken lightly and everyone listened intently.  

All in all the discussion the girls had was deeper than many had had all week. It forced them to see both sides of the argument and continue the discussion based on what had been previously been said. The discussion gave new light to both subjects for all involved.

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

By: Bridget Mizener

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cornhusker Girls and Boys State Band

By: Shyanne Raff

During the week of Girls State, there is a vast number of activities that the delegates of Girls State can choose to participate in. One of those activities includes band, which conjoins both the delegates of Boys State and the delegates of Girls State. Throughout the week, those participating in band meet in the university’s band room. From there, they put together their instruments and begin to practice a variety of songs, which are to be performed at a concert held Thursday.

The band consists of over 76 Girls and Boys State delegates and is led by Jim Kucera. In college Kucera served as a trumpet major, which led to his love for the trumpet. He has been a band director in Waverly for 14 years and has just currently completed 25 years of teaching. Kucera has been directing band for Girls and Boys State for five years. “I decided to direct band here because I have conducted many honor bands and I consider this an honor band. Plus, I enjoy working with such talented kids,” said Jim Kucera, Band Director.

At 7:00 p.m. in Kimball Hall the Cornhusker Girls and Boys State Band will be performing various songs on Wednesday, June 3^rd. Their song selection will consist of: “The Ballad of the Green Berets”, “Amazed”, “No Place” and “American Journey”. The band will end the show with “Dear Nebraska”, which has been a tradition for the past 30 years. 

Floor five counselor profiles

Story by Liz Rentfro

For the citizens of floor five, Girls State would not be the same if Carol Nienhueser, Haley King and Skylar Peterson were not their counselors. Although the three ladies have different backgrounds and leadership styles, they apply their strengths to the town of Harrison in a positive way.

Haley King, the Middle Counselor on floor five, attendance at Girls State in 2012 affected her in a very positive way. She now considers herself more outgoing and is more apt to try new things than prior to Girls State. King became a counselor because she loves teaching and wanted to see what the other side of Girls State looked like. King's advice to the current delegates includes having a positive attitude, going with the flow and listening to the rules.

Fifth floor’s Junior Counselor, Skylar Peterson went to Girls State in 2013. Peterson said that Girls State was one of the reasons she got into college, and she would not be the same without this experience. Since Girls State she has been volunteering as much as possible and giving back to her community in every way that she can. Peterson became a counselor because she had a great time her year and wanted to come back and help out. Peterson’s advice for this year’s citizens is to have fun and learn something new every day.  

Unlike fifth floor’s other two counselors, Carol Nienhueser, the Senior Counselor, did not attend Girls State. Nienhueser attributes her daughter for helping her to become a Girls State Counselor. Nienhueser liked it so much she decided to keep doing it. This is Nienhueser’s second year as a counselor. Nienhueser’s advice to the citizens is to step outside of their comfort zone, and do not be afraid to try something new because they will never know where it could take them.  

Counselor profile: floor four

Story by Avery Neptune

The very hyper Morgan Kumm is the Junior Counselor for Van Buren. When getting to know the fun, happy and energetic Kumm one can find out many interesting things about her.

In the year of 2013, Kumm attended Girls State where she stayed on floor two. Kumm had such a great time at Girls State that she signed up to be counselor, and she was excited when she got asked to come back. When asked if she could go back to the time when she was in Girls State and if there was anything she would do differently she said, “I would campaign harder and run for a higher office.” Kumm felt that she missed out on that experience because she did not try as hard as she could have when she ran for County Treasurer.

       

Now let’s get to know the Kumm outside of Girls State. If Kumm could be any age she says she would be 25. She feels that at the age of 25 you are still pretty young, but not young enough to have missed out on different opportunities. Kumm’s favorite animal is a cat. This is because when she finds pictures of them online she loves them but, when she sends them to her sister, her sister does not love them as much.

Kumm would love to travel to New Zealand because of watching “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings”. She feels that New Zealand would be a beautiful place to visit. Kumm’s favorite hairstyle, if she could do it with her own hair, would be wavy or curly strawberry blonde because she likes the way it looks on her friend. If given the chance, Kumm would love to act in a comedy movie with her co-star being Melissa McCarthy, because McCarthy is a firecracker just like her.

       

Kumm’s favorite memories of being a Girls State citizen include the interaction with her different floormates and delegates from the other floors. Kumm likes Girls State so much that if given the opportunity she would be willing to travel all over the country promoting Girls State. Kumm is very dedicated to Girls State and all its citizens. 

Serious and organized Katie Bartels is the Middle Counselor for Van Buren. Though Bartels can be very serious at times, she does have a fun side to her personality that makes her very interesting to be around.  

       

Bartels was a Girls State citizen in the year of 2013. Being a Girls State citizen is what inspired Bartels to come back and be counselor. If Bartels could go back to the time when she was at Girls State, she said that she would have ran for a county or state position instead of a city one. She feels that it is a better experience to travel up and down the floors instead of staying on a single floor.

           

Bartels said that though she enjoys being a child, if she could be any age she would be somewhere in her mid-20s. Bartels’ favorite animals are cats and pandas. If Bartels could travel the world she would love to visit France, Italy and Germany. The classic ponytail is Bartels’ favorite kind of hairstyle. If given the chance to act in a movie, Bartels would act in a horror movie with Channing Tatum because there is nobody cuter.

       

Bartels describes that her favorite part of Girls State was the interaction with her floormates and the delegates from different floors. Bartels likes that she is still able to see the friends she made at Girls State in her everyday life. If Bartels was given the opportunity, she would love the idea of traveling the country promoting Girls State.  

The fun, loving and motherly figure, Annette Gloystein is the Senior Counselor for Van Buren. Though she was never a Girls State citizen, she is still willing to give up a week of her free time to come and guide the delegates.

Gloystein was an alternate for Girls State in the 1970s. Gloystein had daughters who attended Girls State a few years ago and this is what inspired her to be a Girls State counselor; along with the fact that she could not go at her age. Since Gloystein is a part of the American Legion Auxiliary, she is qualified to be a Girls State counselor.

           

Gloystein would love to be in her 30s again because of what she knows now. She would also enjoy spending one day in high school with what she knows now. Though she is not really an animal person, in the past she has had cats, turtles and fish.. Australia is number one on Gloystein’s travel list along with England, Ireland, Scotland and Disneyland or Disneyworld. Golystein would like to add a natural curl to her hair to create her favorite kind of hairstyle. If Golystein had the opportunity to act in any kind of movie, she would act in a science fiction movie or more specifically “Star Trek”. Gloystein  would have Leonard Nimoy, the original Spock, be her co-star.

Gloystein said her favorite part of Girls State is getting to meet and know the delegates. She enjoys seeing what is going on as a new generation keeps coming around. Gloystein is huge supporter of Girls State and she would be more than willing to travel the country promoting Girls State.   

Jackson counselors are perfectly perfect

By: Haley Pierce

Liz Schlamann, Jackson Senior Counselor, is a strong and independent woman. She first attended Girls State in 1993 as a citizen of Arthur. Schlamann recalls that her favorite camp memory involved a Boys State citizen. Back then, land lines were available in each room, and the boys were often able to figure out the phone number system. However, one of the boys accidentally dialed the senior counselor’s number. The counselor proceeded to lead him on before calling the boy’s counselor in order to get him in trouble. For Schlamann, the best part of attending Girls State was playing the clarinet in band. The Girls State Band offered opportunities to play new musical pieces, such as the Nebraska fight song.

In 2009, Schlamann returned to Girls State as a Senior Counselor. Her own experience at Girls State is what inspires Schlamann to give back. As a counselor, she enjoys watching the citizens grow and develop throughout the week; by the end, she considers them her 50 adopted daughters. Schlamann’s goal as a counselor is to provide the best week for all. She also appreciates watching former citizens return as Girls State staff. In fact, in the past seven years, Schlamann has had two delegates return as Junior Counselors; and Ashley Wilkes was her Junior Counselor in 2009.

On a personal note, Schlamann considers herself quirky and tenacious. Her leadership style is both joyful and stern. She understands letting her delegates have fun, provides TLC and if need be, can lay down the law. As for one word to describe her life, Schlamann selected interesting. She has worked hard to overcome many obstacles and takes life as it comes at her. If stranded on a desert island, Schlamann would take any book she can get. And her favorite pickup line? “Hey baby, come check out my eight foot bed!”

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The Middle Counselor of Jackson, Morgan Devall attended Girls State in 2010. She lived on floor nine as a Polk Parrot. Devall’s favorite memory from camp is being appointed to the department of the State Historical Society. Through her appointment, she toured the Nebraska History Museum and State Historical Society. In retrospect, Devall believes her position helped her in her chosen major of social sciences. She also enjoyed learning about her responsibilities as a citizen, and it has helped her teaching.

Like many other counselors, Devall enjoyed her time at Girls State and wanted to give the same experience to others. Furthermore, she is a firm supporter of volunteering. When giving her time, Devall believes the American Legion Auxiliary is a great organization to help. In addition, Devall brings order and control to her city.

Individually, Devall considers herself very serious, especially in activities. However, she is also very sarcastic, and Devall truly enjoys humor. In describing her life, Devall selected the word blissful. There have been ups and downs, but overall she has been happy with the experiences and opportunities life has presented her. Possibly the most practical of all Jackson counselors, Devall would bring a friend and sunscreen to a desert island. Finally, her favorite pickup line is,

“Do you come here often?”

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Jackson’s Junior Counselor, Emily Slama, was a Girls State delegate in 2013 and resided in Ford. Her favorite moment from camp was the toga party her floor hosted on the final night. The delegates played the “Cup Song” and stayed awake through the night. The citizens then caught up on their sleep at graduation the following day. For Slama, being elected senator was a great experience at Girls State. Her legislature enacted a law that made texting and driving a primary offense.

Slama now returns to Girls State for the first time since then as a Junior Counselor. She had a great time at her Girls State and wants to continue the experience for other delegates. In fact, Slama credits her experience to her own Junior Counselor, Jordan. Basically, Slama wishes to give back to the organization that has done so much for her.

Slama is a social butterfly, but she isn’t afraid to set the rules. She describes herself as a firm believer in tough love. Additionally, she loves to see others happy. When given one word to describe her life, Slama chose two: passion and dedication. She wants everyone to have passion about everything here at Girls State. Her greatest advice to all Girls State citizens is to, “Put your whole heart into something you care about.” Furthermore, Slama enjoys The Book Thief, and she would definitely take it to a desert island. As for Slama’s favorite pickup line? “Are you from Tennessee? Because you are the only ten-I-see.”

Meet the floor two counselors

By Haley Ehrke

The Senior Counselor for the city of Adams is Debi Smith. Smith’s hometown is Elsie and she is a Girls State Alumni. She served as a City Council member during her time at Girls State in 2007. Smith serves as a counselor because she wanted to give back after her experience. Her favorite part of Girls State is meeting girls and seeing the citizens’ creativity during the whistle stop campaigns. Debi works as the Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach at Concordia University. Her favorite color is light blue and her favorite movie is “Indiana Jones: The Last Crusade”. Her favorite actor is Emma Stone, and her favorite food is Macaroni and Cheese. Her favorite United States President is George H. W. Bush. A piece of advice that Smith wanted to give to the citizens is for them to be themselves.

Adam’s Middle Counselor Shirley Gautreaux is from Friend Nebraska and she is not a Girls State alumni. Gautreaux became involved at Girls State because of Diane Hanke, a member of her church. Hanke got Gautreaux involved in 2002 when her third son was attending Cornhusker Boys State. Shirley has served as a counselor ever since. Gautreaux taught school for 40 years and is now enjoying retirement by visiting her grandkids. Gautreaux’s favorite color is blue and her favorite movie is “The Sound of Music”. Her favorite actor is George Clooney, and favorite food is Lasagna. Gautreaux admires United States President Abraham Lincoln. Gautreaux wanted to make sure that the delegates step out of their comfort zones to meet others and make themselves better people.

Finally, the Junior Counselor Kathryn “Kat” Budell. Budell’s hometown is Lincoln and she is a Girls State alumni and served as the State Auditor in 2013. Budell became a counselor because she really enjoyed her experience at Girls State as a delegate and wanted to share her experience. She works as a service assistant at State Parks and Recreation. Her favorite color is green and her favorite movie is “Silver Linings Playbook”. Kat’s favorite actor is Benedict Cumberbatch and her favorite food is any kind fruit. Budell loves United States President Harry Truman, and the advice that she wants to give to the girls is to learn more about themselves through meeting others.

“The farthest west I had been prior to my experience at Girls State was Kearney. Throughout my time at Girls State I was able to meet girls from the panhandle that lived closer to Denver than they did Lincoln. I then knew I wanted to give back from my experience,” said Budell.

Floor nine counselor profiles

Story by Tessa Stevens

Nicole Forbes

As delegates first arrived at the city of Fillmore, they were greeted with a cheerful smile by Middle Counselor Nicole Forbes.  Nicole choose to become a counselor to continue the legacy of great counselors since she had when she came to Girls State. She confessed to being super excited when she was accepted as a counselor and had so much fun the first time that she came back for a second year.  

Forbes attended Girls State in 2013.  While at Girls State, she was elected Mayor of her floor.  At Girls State that year, all of the Mayors participated in scavenger hunts on their floors where they had to find crazy stuff such as a pink shirt or a boa.  The best part was the Mayors had to wear all of it, then they met downstairs where there was a vote on the best dressed Mayor.  Additionally, her floor did not have many of the clothing items, so they made them out of paper, including purple paper pants that Forbes had to wear.

Out of all the cereals, Forbes felt she would probably be Lucky Charms. She said that she sometimes feels average, but then she “has a marshmallow day”, where something special or fun randomly happens. Furthermore, if she could choose any animal species to be able to talk to, she would choose ducks. She says she is obsessed with ducks and thinks they are cute. Forbes even has a collection of about 30 stuffed ducks.  In fact, for one of her Senior pictures she was photographed lying in a big pile of ducks.

Forbes is currently a rising junior at UNL. Prior to attending UNL, she attended Southern Valley High School, a combined high school, and lived in Beaver City.  Forbes chose to attend UNL after being able to test drive the dorms and dining hall during Girls State. After graduating from UNL, she plans on receiving a Speech Pathology degree. Since that degree requires two years of graduate school, she currently plans on attending the University of Nebraska at Kearney for graduate school.UNK is closer to Forbes’ home and will increase her chances of receiving a job closer to home.  Forbes plans on remaining in Nebraska and being a Speech Pathologist/Therapist in Nebraska schools.  Lastly, Forbes’ favorite quote is, “live life to the fullest!”   

Sarah Ann Prewett

Counselor Sarah Ann Prewett is no rookie to serving as a counselor. Prewett is currently the Senior Counselor for Fillmore and is serving in her fourth year as a counselor. She is the ideal candidate to serve as a counselor and surrogate mother to the delegates. Ironically enough, Prewett actually is a mother to a one-year-old son named Ryan Jay. Prewett agreed to become a counselor because she feels that the week at Girls State is really important to learn about government and is a lot of fun.  

In 2008, Prewett was a delegate at Girls State where she served on the judicial branch. While Prewett was attending Girls State there was a tornado drill during the band and choir concert (instead of a gas leak evacuation).  As a result, they were never able to finish the concert.  However, her favorite memory at Girls State was as a counselor. During the last night of Girls State the delegates had a talent show which they were super enthusiastic about. They made comedy routines, sang and danced. According to Prewett the talent show was very entertaining and just so much fun.

If Prewett were any cereal, she would want to be Mini Wheats since it is her favorite cereal. Prewett claims that it is healthy for you, but it is also sweet. Additionally, when asked which animal species she would most like to talk to, Prewett was torn between two animals: elephants and cats. She would want to talk to elephants since they are her favorite animal. If she were ever able to touch an elephant she confessed she would sob tears of happiness.  However, she would also like to talk to cats, but she is not sure they would want to talk to humans since cats see them do the craziest things.

Prewett graduated from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln with a Social Studies teaching degree for high school students. Before that, she attended Oakland-Craig High School, located in Oakland. Currently, she is busy saving lives working for the police department. She answers 911 calls, but she spends most of her time running a radio channel for the officers. Prewett normally checks the backgrounds of people who have been pulled over or are involved in a disturbance. However, her dream job would have to be a ghost hunter so she could visit houses with ghosts and try to talk the spirits into coming out.  Lastly, her favorite quote is “life goes on”, no matter what happens, time will continue and things will get better with time.

Carlin Daharsh

Charismatic and witty counselor Carlin Daharsh easily lives up to her namesake, George Carlin, a famous American comedian. Furthermore, she is easily recognizable as the counselor with a certain sparkle to her smile. Daharsh hails from Gothenburg High School, located in, you guessed it, Gothenburg. She is currently working as a Junior Counselor for the city of Fillmore and is very excited about her first year as a counselor. Daharsh grew so much as a delegate and felt that was the best way that she could give back to the American Legion Auxiliary was to be a counselor.

Daharsh attended Girls State as a delegate in 2013. She was elected as the Secretary of State at Girls State and then went on to become a Senator at Girls Nation. Her favorite memory from Girls State was everything to do with campaigning. She even had a “posse” that would stay up with her until 3:00 a.m. every night working on posters. The delegates in the “posse” were able to devote all of their free time to working on posters and stickers since they had previously ran for city offices.

Daharsh admitted that if she were a cereal she would likely be Frosted Mini Wheats because she is always prepared and ready to start the day. Furthermore, if she could talk to any animal species, she would choose to talk to dogs. That way she could learn how to be as forgiving and loyal and compassionate as dogs are because cats are not. Although, she confessed she is totally a cat person.

Daharsh is currently a rising Sophomore at Nebraska Wesleyan.  She is planning on majoring in Spanish and Political Communications with minors in Gender Studies and French.  She would “love to be a Press Secretary for a President or their Speech Writer as a Communications Director”.  Lastly, Daharsh’s favorite quote is “it’s a bad day, not a bad life”.  Pursuing one’s dream job can be extremely difficult and “there’s going to be bad days”, but it is important to remember that a single day does not decide the rest of one’s life.

Tyler city sketch

Story by Sami O’Neal

The city of Tyler in Skillman County resides on floor six. They are a group of citizens with the floor theme of Cornhuskers. The welcome poster states, “Welcome to the Boneyard”.  Decorating the citizens’ doors are the famed Husker “N” and the Blue Star Banners for delegates with family members in service.  These close-knit delegates share seats on the chairs during any time spent together and can also be found sharing spots on the floor.

Christina Woodside says that the atmosphere in the city of Tyler is very relaxed. Woodside said that this is very helpful to come back to after a busy day as a Girls State counselor. The citizens of Tyler are also known to be very accepting of each other. They are willing to include others and learn more about each other. Tyler citizens also have been known to go the extra mile in helping each other with campaigning.

The city recently elected Madison Schlachter as their Mayor. Schlachter says that the town is fun and, “pretty awesome”. Citizens of Tyler can work hard when they need to finish their projects. No one on the floor is afraid of being heard which makes them good leaders with strong opinions.

Floor eight sketch

By Hannah Schmitz

Selfies, selfies and more selfies.

Selfies have been taken to a new level in the town of Taylor, which is located on floor eight of Mari Sandoz Hall.  Two citizens of Taylor have recently bought selfie sticks and they brought theses strange devices with them to Girls State.  The delegates on this floor have fun taking group selfies during town meetings, campaigning and while waiting in Girls State order.  This goes as proof that the town of Taylor is filled with fun personalities.

Not only have the delegates found amusement with selfie sticks, but with the game pterodactyl as well.  It all began when they were deciding on a town mascot.  The two choices were the Taylor Tapirs and the Taylor Pterodactyls.  After getting a good dose of giggles with listening to recordings of Tapir noises, the delegates voted the pterodactyl as their mascot.  This led to an intense game of Pterodactyl.  In the end, all the Taylor citizens were in fits of laughter.

The citizens of Taylor were not always so comfortable being together as a group.  After arriving on Sunday, many of the delegates chose to stay in their rooms.  The lobby remained empty and delegates only strayed away from their rooms when they absolutely had to.  Taylor was not shy and quiet for long.  At their first town meeting, delegates came out of their shells and practiced the town chant.  The next morning they all bonded over their favorite tunes from musicals such as Burlesque, Hairspray and Wicked.

Taylor is filled with fun personalities.  Each delegate has kept an open mind and never refrains from the exciting activities.  To experience the fun, visit floor eight during whistle stops.  Citizens will be caught strolling down the halls handing out candy and other goodies, jamming to their favorite songs and announcing their catchy slogans.  One who visits the Taylor Pterodactyls cannot be disappointed because they are undoubtedly in for a good time.

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

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