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. 

E pluribus unim: four cities, one county

Story by Kelsey Sternad 

Delegates at Girls State are both divided and united in several ways. Fictional political parties split the citizens in two through friendly competition, while eight separate cities provide citizens with a community environment where delegates can boast to one another with pride. Another division at Girls State is between the two counties: Jefford, which includes floors two through five, and Skillman, comprised of floors six through nine. Skillman County contains four cities. Tyler occupies the sixth floor, Polk the seventh, Taylor the eighth and Fillmore the ninth.

The environment between the four cities under Skillman County is described by citizens as relaxed and friendly. According to Olivia Bures, a resident of Taylor, the relationship between her city and the surrounding cities is a strong one.

"We had a dance party with some girls from the ninth floor the other night, it was pretty fun," Bures said.

Each individual floor also contains a small, tightknit community. Taylor Kool, a resident of the ninth floor which holds the city of Fillmore, said that, "We're like a family, it's great. I love our floor." Kool also noted that at the beginning of the week everyone was quiet and reserved, but now they are all comfortable with one another. 

Skillman County also has many of its own elected representatives. Some positions include County Treasurer, a role fulfilled by Jacqueline Perriot, a citizen of Polk, and County Attorney, a spot received by Emily Cumming, a citizen of Tyler. The Skillman County Board of Regents is made up of Holly Berkey, Mercedes Isaacson, Caitlyn Moore and Nicole Placek. The first two board members are citizens of Tyler and Taylor respectively, while Moore and Placek are both from the city of Fillmore.

Skillman County is made up of four distinct cities and includes over 200 unique citizens, but it has thrived as an enjoyable community environment because of the passion for Girls State that they all share.

Floor eight counselor profiles

Story by Tennessee Anderson

Sarah Pogue

The Junior Counselor on floor eight, the city of Taylor, is Sarah Pogue.

Pogue went to Girls State in 2013 at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. She also applied and interviewed for Girls Nation.

Pogue went to Girls State to learn more about how her Government works. She also really wanted to meet new people and work on her leadership skills. What she enjoyed about Girls State was meeting new friends from across the state of Nebraska, and being able to express herself more than she could at her school.

After graduating Girls State, Pogue decided to become a Junior Counselor because of her own counselor. She made an impact on Pogue and helped her make an impact on others.

Pogue’s favorite pastime is being a photographer. In other words, she especially enjoys taking photos.

 Sarah is currently attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and she is majoring in broadcasting, because she really likes sports and wants to make a difference in the world of film.   

              

Kelsey Gretch

When Kelsey Gretch finished Girls State she wanted to give back by helping future generations of Girls State delegates. She also wanted to give them the experiences that she had enjoyed. This year she is the Middle Counselor on floor eight which is the city of Taylor.

Gretch attended Girls State in 2012. She wanted to go to Girls State to learn more about government and how the voting system works. She also wanted to learn leadership skills and establish herself as a better leader.

During Girls State she enjoyed campaigning and it helped her get out of her comfort zone.

When she has downtime she enjoys watching every kind of TV series on Netflix, and she also likes to read books.When Kelsey was younger she loved to read, she would even read all day or stay up all night reading with a nightlight.  

Gretch attends the University of Nebraska at Kearney and she is majoring in Social Work and minoring in Gerontology. She wants to eventually get her masters degree in Social Work and work as a Medical Social Worker or be a director of a nursing home.

In high school Kelsey enjoyed her classmates and how close they became over the years. Her favorite subject was American Government because she was able to learn more about politics, and it helped to spark her interest in running for office someday.

Kathy Mazur

This year Kathy Mazur is the Senior Counselor on floor eight, the city of Taylor. When Mazur goes to Girls State she enjoys the energy of the girls that she hangs out with.

Mazur got involved with Girls State because of an email she had received saying that they needed her help as a Senior Counselor.

During her downtime she enjoys reading Murder Mysteries or Adventure novels. She also does a lot of volunteering. Mazur loves going to baseball games. She has played softball and still loves to play when she can.

Kathy attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and received a Bachelors of Science in Business Education. She chose this major because of her interest in book keeping and security of study.

Mazur attended high school in Gretna, and her favorite thing was being a librarian because she loved keeping books in order on their shelves.  

 

 

Jefford County

By Rachel Kathman

On Monday, many citizens of Jefford County filed for county offices. The positions available ranged from Public Defender to Register of Deeds. After that it was off to the races while the candidates rushed to floors two through five to hang up posters and start making their names heard. Handing out candy was a popular campaign tactic and it proved to be successful in most cases. The voters on each floor definitely enjoyed all the candy.

The campaigning continued into Tuesday morning as the first whistle stop campaigns were held. During whistle stops, the candidates went to each floor of their county to briefly introduce themselves and tell them about their platform and ideas. A few of the memorable campaigning methods were County Engineer candidate MacKenzie Cline’s “Campaign Train,” in which she dressed and whistled like a train. County Attorney candidate Faith Noel Lennox handed out paper mustaches. Following the whistle stops, primary elections were held on each floor. The results of the primaries were announced at the assembly that afternoon.

The remaining candidates kept campaigning as whistle stops were held on both Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. After that, citizens voted in the general election to make the final decision on who would be representing their county. Finally, at the assembly that afternoon, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived. The newly elected officials of Jefford County were announced and all 20 girls accepted their certificates with big smiles.

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] You ARE Beautiful’

Story by Sarah Van Horn

One way speakers or advocates convince whom they wish is by constantly repeating one’s stance – another way is by the advocates personally communicating with said persons. Earlier in the year, Bryce Sahs, 17, was told to apply for Cornhusker Boys State by an advisor at from his high school in York. Sahs was not impressed. He was unsure about the program and had few plans for applying. Yet, he is now the presiding as a member of the School Board at Boys State.

“A woman from the Legion (ALA) literally came and knocked on my front door,” Sahs said. “They really wanted me – they said I was the perfect delegate – she convinced me to apply.”

Sahs was directly told he was perfect. Much like a laser pointer it was precise and directed towards him. However sometimes, compliments of perfection come from a flashlight – attracting a much broader audience. 

Both Boys and Girls State were spoken to by Mike Smith, Professional teenager on Monday evening. During the evening he spoke of his highs and lows, his charity, being the best person you can be and ended with saying, “Lastly, Girls you ARE beautiful. Even you don’t think you: you are. I want you all to know that; it’s very important.”

“Him saying that threw me for a loop,” Sahs said. “I come from a small town; we don’t get too many motivational speakers. Especially ones that say ‘you’re beautiful.’”

Sahs has never been called beautiful; none of his friends have been called beautiful (to his knowledge). Yet, he feels it is important that girls know that they are beautiful. He said he was glad Smith added that final point.

“Men aren’t women,” Sahs said. “I don’t really care if no one calls me handsome. But I feel like girls do care. From what I’ve gathered, I think that girls always remember if someone calls them something they don’t want to be called. And I feel like they sometimes forget when they’re told that (they are beautiful); that’s why they should be told a lot.”

According to a study by Romin W. Tafarodi at the University of Texas at Austin men have more self-esteem than women at a ratio of 26:21. Although confidence varies between men and women, overall men typically are more confident than women. Reasons for this may come from pressures, from society, peers, men and many other forms.

“Society thinks that girls have to be skinny, attractive and dependent,” Sahs said. “But I don’t think so. You can’t build a person so they fit all of you needs. People are people, I feel like more people need to be told they’re OK, or beautiful, especially girls.”

Spread the word. Beauty is back in style.

Lori Skallerud

Story by Hannah Schmitz

Lori Skallerud is very passionate about her work with the American Legion Auxiliary.  After 45 years of dedicated membership, she has become the Northwest Division National Vice President.  Her love for the organization sprouted approximately 44 years ago when she had the opportunity to carry the colors.  Skallerud recalls that after attending a few local Auxiliary meetings in Minnesota, she was asked to attend a district meeting.  At this district meeting, she was asked to carry the colors.  Skallerud can still remember how moving this experience was.

Skallerud’s story was only just beginning at that district meeting.  She knew she was eligible at that moment because her father was a WWII veteran, her husband was a Korean Conflict veteran and her brother was a Vietnam veteran.  She joined and later served all of the district and department offices, moving up in position until she earned the prestigious office she holds today.

This job names her as the overseer and representative of the national organization.  She presides over seven states, including Nebraska and her home state of Minnesota.  She is currently supporting the Five Year Strategic Plan.  This plan is a list of five main goals, one of the most important of them being that the national organization reaches 1,000,000 members.  When asked about what she enjoys most about her job, she answered that she enjoys meeting people.  Skallerud likes to visit the different Auxiliary posts and seeing the work that these units have done.  Skallerud said, “The passions are different.”

Skallerud was successful even before she became a member of the Auxiliary.  She served her community as a police officer for ten years.  She also worked for the Veteran Service Office and later the Red Cross.  In addition to all of this, she is a mother.  She had three children with her late husband and now has six grandchildren.  One of her granddaughters is running for a district office in the Auxiliary.  She is now engaged, which she is very excited about.

Skallerud advises all young women to join the Auxiliary.  She is fearful of the Auxiliary shrinking in size and said it is important to get new ideas.  

“We need members to help get bills passed to help our veterans,” said Skallerud. “If we don’t continue to grow, we won’t continue to help our veterans.”  

She also encouraged delegates at the session on Wednesday to thank their Auxiliary unit at home for giving them this amazing opportunity.  Also at the session, she told the citizens of Girls State not to take Girls State lightly, because the information obtained will be carried with the citizens throughout the rest of their lives.

Skallerud has had an outstanding career with the American Legion Auxiliary that many others only dream about.  Who knows what else she will achieve in the years to come.

The differences

By: Haley Pierce

Throughout the week, many girls have noticed differences between Boys and Girls State. Truly, both camps are a powerful experience and learning instrument in leadership and government. However, each accomplish their goals in their own manner. Here, specific differences between Boys and Girls State are revealed.

Town bonding

While girls are often considered more emotional than boys, it is the Boys State citizens who have experienced specific bonding exercises. The Boys State cities played various games and shared personal information for team building. As Joseph Hunter explained, the exercises were, “kind of weird.” Over in Sandoz Hall, specific exercises were not used, and team building was the responsibility of the citizens. Even though the girls did not engage in specific bonding activities, the floors have become close throughout the week, and each citizen will leave with a new friend.

Activities

Throughout the week, Boys and Girls State citizens have participated in many activities. Many of the boys’ choices included sports. Football, softball, sand volleyball, track and basketball were all available. Options for girls included service learning and places of interest. Both camps offered choir, band, and media. However, the media programs demonstrate their own differences. At Boys State, a newsletter is produced every day; whereas Girls State produces a final newspaper. The Boys State news crew was even so lucky as to receive a presentation by a journalist who uses drones.

Cell phones

The use of cell phones also differentiates between the camps. Neither group is allowed to use cell phones during session. However, boys are encouraged to use their cell phones for campaigning and other Boys State activities. At Boys State, a website is used to manage campaign funds. Through this website, delegates can support people and ideas by forming Political Action Committees (PACs). Campaign space is also available in the newsletter. In contrast, Girls State citizens are discouraged from using technology and are not allowed to campaign on social media. Most boys are satisfied with the cell phone policy, while many girls are not.

Education

Girls State and Boys State take different approaches to educating the delegates. For the boys, there is an emphasis on leadership, and less time is spent discussing government specifics. Boys State often brings in guest speakers, but Girls State prefers in-house experts. Additionally, Virginia Nelson puts together exams for the Girls State citizens. A current events quiz and a government test are part of the Girls State curriculum.

Even though Boys and Girls State have their differences, everyone can agree the week has been fun-filled and educational. It is an opportunity that everyone will cherish. One thing will always be true of Boys and Girls State, along with many real political elections. As Jestin Casas explained, “No one cares about how much you know until they know how much you care.”

What the ALA is: a short history

What is American Legion Auxiliary really? The ALA was founded in 1919, and is now one of the largest women’s patriotic service organization. During the Cornhusker Girls State JoAnn Ward, Department President, gave the true reason for the ALA.

“The ALA’s mission is to support the American Legion and honor those who have sacrificed by enhancing the lives of veterans, military, and their families,” Ward said.

The ALA gives to the community and recognizes the sacrifices our military forces have given to keep our country free. There are currently 800,000 members in the ALA, which are separated into units, divisions, and departments. There are 9,000 units, 52 departments, and five divisions. The departments are more described as states.

“For God and country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security.”

By: Megan Murdoch  

The Adams Family: sixth floor profile

Up on the sixth floor of Sandoz rises the city of Adams. The tight knit group has excelled by forming quick relationships with each other. The citizens were not scared to voice their opinions in the largely accepting group on their floor. This was recognized in the first official town meeting, which included the elected city officials. The city council worked together with the mayor and other town citizens to solve their first problem: a recreational pond which was filling up with sand. The town had to work together to come up with a solution which all the delegates agreed on.   

 

During the meeting the delegates of Adams worked together well and kept on task. Discussion was moderated by mayor Lauren Sprinkle and the city council members also provided helpful, adequate information to keep the conversations constructive.  

“We all came up with new and interesting ideas on how to solve the problems. We were able to provide different perspectives and keep our comments and interactions respectful,” commented delegate Natasha Anderson. 

Adams looks forward to improving their relationships and continuing their journey on the road to a hopeful trophy victory. 

By: Whitney Rosno

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