by Eric | 1 Jun 2026 | 2026, Legislative, Executive, Featured Stories, Judicial, Uncategorized
The Cornhusker Boys’ State delegates began their government simulation experience last night with their local elections. Today, these students are learning the ropes from state and area leaders before they hold their first city and school board meetings to debate their local policies.
Thank you to the following presenters who shared their expertise with our delegates:
- Attorney Steve Gealey – State Court System and How It Works
- Brandon Metzler, Clerk of the Legislature – Unicameral Legislature and How It Works
- Attorney John Zimmer and Mayor Dave Bauer – City Government and How It Works
- Jack Russell, Nate Grasz, and Lillian Butler-Hale – Lobbying and Political Action Committees
- Marcia Herring, Nebraska Association of School Boards – School Boards: Roles and Responsibilities
- Dr. John Skretta, Superintendent of Lincoln Public Schools – “Strong Minds, Strong Men”
by Alex | 6 Jun 2025 | 2025, Top Stories, Judicial, Recent Posts
The 2025 Cornhusker Boys’ State judicial program reached its pinnacle on Friday, June 6, as the seven justices heard four cases that were elevated following the County District Court hearings on Thursday.
The four cases argued today were Mahmoud v. Taylor, Catholic Charities Bureau, Inc. v. Wisconsin Labor & Industry Review Commission, United States v. Skrmetti, and A.J.T. v. Osseo Area Schools, Independent School District No. 279.
by Alex | 6 Jun 2025 | 2025, Judicial, Recent Posts, Uncategorized
On Thursday, the County District Courts of Yochum and LaCoursiere were in session. Five cases were heard in each court as Staters argued recent/current United States Supreme Court Cases.
Following the rulings at the County District Courts, four cases will go to the Cornhusker Boys’ State Supreme Court on Friday.
by Alex | 5 Jun 2025 | 2025, Top Stories, Judicial, Recent Posts
The Cornhusker Boys’ State Judicial Committees convened on Tuesday, June 3, to kick off the judicial process for this year’s program. Three committees gathered (two from each county and one state committee) to review candidates seeking appointments for District Judge and for the State Supreme Court. On Wednesday morning, finalists met with the Governor of Boys’ State for final selections. Final appointments are listed below.
2025 Cornhusker Boys’ State Final Judicial Appointments
Chief Justice
Josiah Bitker – Lincoln North Star High School, (Lincoln, NE) (Bataan)
Associate Justices – Yochum County
Matthew Wood – Millard North High School, (Omaha, NE) (Valley Forge)
Alden McKnight – Plattsmouth High School, (Plattsmouth, NE) (Valley Forge)
Brett Kalhoff – Exeter-Miligan High School, (Exeter, NE) (Gettysburg)
Associate Justices – LaCoursiere County
Finnian O. Hartman- Elkhorn High School, (Omaha, NE) (Manila Bay)
Blake Rodewald – McCook High School, (McCook, NE) (Bataan)
Roosevelt August Wilken – Millard South High School, (Omaha, NE) (Belleau Wood)
District Judges – Yochum County
Grant Kuta – Boone Central High School, (Albion, NE) (Bunker Hill)
Braden Sanders – Omaha Northwest High School, (Omaha, NE) (Valley Forge)
District Judges – LaCoursiere County
Mason Luke Hynes – Kearney Catholic High School, (Kearney, NE) (Alamo)
Vishwa Ravichandran – Millard North High School, (Omaha, NE) (Bataan)
The Judicial program resumed on Wednesday, June 4, as attorneys were assigned cases. County District Courts will hear five current United States Supreme Court cases.
by Eric | 12 Jun 2024 | 2024, Top Stories, Judicial
Tanner Barry (Center) of Louisville HS – Chief Justice of the Cornhusker Supreme Court
Tanner Barry of Louisville High School was appointed by Governor Anish Amin after Barry and other applicants were elevated by a delegate-led nominating committee. During the week-long camp, Barry and the approximately 50 other Boys State students in the Cornhusker Boys’ State court system attend specialized education and hold mock trials. The pinnacle of the experience is the Friday session at the Nebraska State Capitol, where the Cornhusker Supreme Court hears cases behind the bench in the Supreme Courtroom.
