Photo Courtesy of Joanna Lopez Hernandez
Every year, one junior girl is chosen from Hastings High to attend the Cornhusker Girls State Program in Lincoln. For the 2018 trip, juniors Amelia Stoner and Saylor Pershing both applied. Girls State is an opportunity for girls that are juniors in high school. It is an event where they can participate in a mock government and experience what it would be like to be active in a political position. Because only one girl will be chosen, there is an application process that takes place. The first applications were due February second. Stoner and Pershing have had an interest in government for a while and they both saw this opportunity and decided to seize it.
   “I got to watch the process of the Presidential election as well as a local election. It kind of hit me that this is truly what I want to be doing,” Stoner said. “I first researched a lot about the program online. Then I found out we actually have applications printed in the Guidance Counselor’s office here at the High School. I stopped in and grabbed an application and handed it into the Counselor’s office.” Representatives from Girls State contact applicants for an interview after the paper application has been turned in.
“I applied because I have always been interested in politics and government. I enjoy learning about government and I have many political opinions so this seemed like a great opportunity for me, “ Pershing said. “My mom has always been outspoken about politics and what ner opinions are so I’ve always been exposed to politics and had strong opinions. I’ve more recently become interested in government because of the current state of the United States’ federal government.”
Though there are announcements through the counselor’s office, both applicants heard about Girls State from people who have gone in past years.
“I heard about it from Elsa Knight from Harvard High School who is a former participant at Girls State.  I have been looking for any opportunities I can get my hands on to indulge in my future career,” Stoner said.
“I heard about it during my freshman year. My debate mentor Macie Clawson had done it the previous summer and she told me about it,“ Pershing said.
Because the application deadline was less than a week ago, there are no results yet. Stoner and Pershing are anxiously waiting for the call of acceptance into the program.
“I’m kind of nervous for the results because it would be a great opportunity and I think it would be really fun. At the same time, I know that whoever is chosen will do a great job so if I’m not chosen it’s not the end of the world. I’m just trying to be calm and not to get my hopes up,“ Pershing said.
“It is very nerve-racking for me. This is something I’ve been excited and worried about for quite a while. This is the only time in my life that I will ever be eligible. I have my heart set on putting my foot in the door into the political setting. I know that if I really try my hardest and set my mind to it, I can do it,” Stoner said.  “Even if I do not receive the acceptance letter, I can say I tried my hardest. That’s what really matters to me.”
