Girls State officially underway

This afternoon buses and cars from all over the state brought citizens to Sandoz Hall on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus. Cornhusker Girls State 2016 is officially underway. A total of 398 delegates assembled from towns small and large, said goodbye to parents and family members and set out to have an unforgettable week. This is a very special year as it is the 75th annual CGS sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary!

The citizens began the week by finding their place in a city, county and political party unique to Girls State.  Soon everyone was getting acquainted with those on their floor and meeting their counselors at their first town meeting. They were quick to set to work and soon were able to file for city offices, such as mayor and school board. After filing the excited delegates went their separate ways and headed off to activities. The activities that they will be participating in this week are newspaper, band, chorus, places of interest, and service learning. Before long, the citizens returned to enjoy a pizza party on their floor.

After dinner the delegates made the journey to the Nebraska Union where they participated in the opening ceremonies and first assembly. They became familiar with the entire staff and counselors that help make CGS possible and heard previews of what this week has in store for them. The citizens also learned many new facts, including how to correctly say the Pledge of Allegiance without a space in "One Nation Under God." Lancaster County Election Commissioner David Shively spoke to the state during the assembly, addressing voter registration, voter turnout, and how to take part in the political process.  The assembly went out with a bang with a fashion show put on by the junior counselors!

Once returning to Sandoz Hall campaigning went into full swing as delegates swiftly made posters to line the halls on their floor. Whistle Stop campaigns began and those running for city office went door to door to encourage citizens to vote for them. From candy giveaways to animal costumes, all were creative in getting their name on the table. City elections will be held tomorrow morning where citizens will cast their votes for deserving candidates.

After an end of the day town meeting the delegates headed off with newly developed friendships and excitement for the week to come.

There is no dance!

The citizens of Cornhusker Girls State did it. They finally made it to Friday. Through a gas-leak evacuation to doing pull-ups at the Nebraska National Guard, these delegates have seen it all and are more than prepared to graduate tomorrow morning. When they arrived on Sunday afternoon, the delegates had little to no idea what an impact this week would have on them. Tomorrow they will walk across the stage and grab the diploma beaming with the pride and confidence Girls State gave them.

Friday morning kicked off with session at the Nebraska Union where the 11 Girls Nation Candidates were announced and sent off to be interviewed. The remaining girls stayed to run through the Girls State songs and watch the mock trial performed by the District Court with the help of Attorney Jennifer Tomka from Boucher Law Firm.

After lunch the citizens headed back to the union for a fun-filled afternoon session. Kelsey Thomas, Abby Nguyen, Kamryn Sannicks and Allissa Flynn were announced as the top four candidates for Girls Nation. Tomorrow at graduation they will find out which two will be alternates and which two will be representing Nebraska in Washington D.C. at the end of July. Session continued with all state offices and city mayors reporting on their week and what offices they visited yesterday after touring the state capitol.

The excitement went up another notch when the senior counselors from each floor performed a skit for the Girls State citizens. The counselors highlighted moments from the week in a comedic manner and even made fun of particular citizen behaviors. The skit ended with a large dance party in the Union Ballroom, allowing the girls to let loose and celebrate their achievements.

Although the citizens are looking forward to graduation, they were a bit torn up by the fact that their last joint session with Cornhusker Boys State was this evening. The citizens came together to watch the energetic JoAnn Owen Nausler speak on the meaning of success and to share their slideshow presentations of photos and videos from the week. At the conclusion of the Boys State slideshow, it was announced that the citizens of Boys and Girls State would be celebrating the 75th Anniversary of CBS by having a dance in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Colosseum. The citizens cheered so loud it was a miracle the glass windows were not shattered at Kimball Hall. However, the video came back with a large, "just kidding." There was no dance. Instead the citizens of Boys and Girls State ended their evening with a mingling session outside of Kimball Hall.

Tomorrow morning the citizens will say goodbye to their counselors, roommates and friends. However, they will never say goodbye to the memories they made during the week. Congratulations Cornhusker Girls State Class of 2015!

Mon-row: floor nine floor sketch

Floor nine otherwise called “Monroe” was known for their main cheer '1,2,3,4.' Not only are they “One and a Minion”, but the floor will be remembered for their energy and great friendships.

Monroe’s counselors were senior counselor Michelle, middle counselor Jordanna and junior counselor Kelsey. According to the girls, the counselors were really into Girls State and make it a fun experience. The life-long friendships on Monroe started as soon as the elevator doors opened. 

“The first night everyone really got along. We realized that we all have diversities, but we really understand each other and come together as not only a floor, but really good friends,” Madison Schlake said. 

Delegate Rebecca Brenner also had positive things to say about Monroe. “We all have really good roommates, we all hang out together and laugh.” 

Brenner said that she also enjoyed campaigning and all of the leadership that took place in Monroe.

Monroe is full of learning, leadership, and the beginning of friendships that will last a life time. 

By: Sadie Petersen

We were here, we were there, we’ve been everywhere: places of interest

Lincoln is the capital of our beautiful state of Nebraska. Groups from Girls State have been fortunate enough to tour points of interest in our capital. Delegates have learned about the fossils and relics at Morrill Hall and been given a wonderful tour of Memorial Stadium. 

    Walking into Morrill Hall the first thing you notice is Titanoboa--fossil of the largest snake ever discovered. The snake is estimated to be 60 million years old. The fossil itself measured 48 feet long and weighed almost 2,500 pounds. Many of the delegates took advantage of the chance to take a 'selfie' with the ancient monster. On the lower level a few delegates posed with a few zebras, on the top level delegates took advantage of the chance stand under dinosaurs.

    Delegates walked around the outside of Memorial Stadium before entering next to the Tom Osborne statue. As they walked into the lobby, their eyes were drawn to the second largest waterfall in the United States. Delegates walked down the hallway leading to where players ran onto the field, doing the all famous Tunnel Walk. Entering the stadium delegates claimed that the empty stadium was extremely eerie. One delegate said “Seeing Memorial Stadium empty is completely unimaginable after you been to games.” After being on the field delegates exited through on the of many gates open on game day.

    The Places of Interest tours opened many eyes to the great things our capital has to offer. Delegates enjoyed themselves and got a chance to meet other delegates that weren’t on their floor. Many said they would recommend the Places of Interest tours to future delegates and were happy they got the chance to see a few jewels of Lincoln. 

By: Makala Reeves

Counselor and staff profile sketches: part four

Gayla Schmid

Girls State Advisory Committee Member

Number of years involved in Girls State: Six.

Reason she’s involved in Girls State: “I’ve always been interested in youth programs and one year the President asked me to do it, so I became involved.”

Favorite part about Girls State: The girls and the knowledge they possess.

Advice: “Keep smiling--the greatest thing you can do is keep a positive attitude.”

Cydney Volker

Senior Counselor, City of Adams (Sixth Floor)

Number of years involved in Girls State: Six.

Reason she’s involved in Girls State: “I was the alternate to go to Girls State, but one year my roommate, who had gone to Girls State, asked if I would help as a counselor because they needed more help.”

Favorite part about Girls State: Meeting the counselors and the new girls.

Advice: “Enjoy senior year! Remember to tell everyone Girls State is awesome!”

Kaylee Dump

Middle Counselor, City of Bush (Third Floor)

Number of years involved in Girls State: Three.

Reason she’s involved in Girls State: Loved Girls State when she went as a delegate in 2009.

Favorite part about Girls State: “Watching the girls learn and open up to meeting new people.”

Advice: “Be open minded. It’s a scary experience, but it’s worth it. Come out of your comfort zone and enjoy the experience.”

Sapphire Andersen

Junior Counselor, City of Madison (Eighth Floor)

Number of years involved in Girls State: One.

Reason she’s involved in Girls State: “I loved the year I was there in 2012; my counselor inspired me to come back. I wanted to connect with the girls like she did.”

Favorite part about Girls State: “Seeing creative campaigning and connecting with girls.”

Advice: “You get out what you put in. Don’t be afraid about meeting new girls. Be yourself!”

Couselor and staff profile sketches: part three

                                                                                                          

Annette Gloystein- Senior Counselor

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

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

·         From Exeter

·         Self-employed

·         Member of Exeter’s school board

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

·         Decorates cakes

Jordanna Glock- Middle Counselor

·         Living on the Ninth Floor (Monroe) this week.
·         Has a little brother at Boys’ State this year, who she plans to embarrass by the end of the week
·         Responsible for making sure the girls are having fun
·         A student at the University of Nebraska at Kearney
·         Gives tours at her college
·         Works as a Certified Nursing Assistant
·         Does a lot of student research
·         From Rising City
·         Has been helping out with Girl’s State for two years
·         Helps the delegates on her floor with voting and filing

Jessica Svehla- Junior Counselor

·         Living on the Second Floor (Reagan) this week
·         Returned to Girls’ State to help out for two years
·         Attends the University of Nebraska
·         Interested in Interior Design
·         She has compressed her spine jumping the wake while wake boarding
·         Helps lead the delegates to their different sessions
·         Works for a wedding planner
·         From Lincoln
·         Helps the delegates get to know each other, and watches for appropriate clothing
·         Works at Memorial Stadium

Virgina Nelsen- Staff Member

·         Living on the Sixth Floor (Adams) this week
·         Originally from New Jersey
·         She is the education director here at Girls’ State
·         Has been involved with Girls’ State since 1999
·         She is a Teachers Aid for K-5
·         Loves the history about the Revolutionary War
·         Writes and grades tests for the delegates here at Girls’ State
·         Adds and subtracts points for the different floors
·         Currently living in Valentine
·         Interested in the history of our country

   By: Drew Purviance

Where the star shines: blue star banners decorate doors

During World War I, army Captain Robert L. Queissered patented a flag in honor of his two sons serving front line in 1917. This flag was named the Blue Star Banner. During World War II, the flag was put under strict guidelines, some of which including manufacturing. The guidelines address who could hang the flag or wear the lapel button.  

The blue star in the middle represents an immediate family member in the service. The banners can hold up to five stars. In the happenstance that a loved one should pass, a small gold star is placed over the blue star. In the event of multiple service members passing, the gold stars will be placed on the top right of the flag. Many people today hang the flags in the window of their homes to show support of their loved one in the service. 

Delegate Citlali Peña of eighth floor Madison, has a Blue Star Banner on her door. She has it to honor her brother, a marine of four years. 

“A friend at his high school told him he should try it out,” Peña.

Shortly after he signed up, he went to Basic Training in California. After three months, Peña remembers him coming home and he had fallen in love with the Marines. Four years later, he is serving in the Marines and attending college in South Carolina.

By: Holly Potosnyak