Drone journalism was the topic at this mornings session in Kimball Hall. Professor Matt Waite of the UNL Drone Journalism Lab engaged delegates in lively discussion regarding the challenges and opportunities presented by drone technology. The discussion touched on topics like misconceptions about drone capabilities, practical applications in agriculture, and how technological advances can out paced regulation.
This morning, newly elected school board members and other interested delegates attended the “School Boards and How They Work” session. Matt Belka of the Nebraska Association of School Boards was the guest presenter. Mr. Belka explained the purpose and mechanics of how school boards operate. Following the lesson, delegates broke into groups to discuss some current issues facing school boards. Discussions covered several areas, including dress code, consolidation, drug testing, technology access, student representation at school board meetings, and more.
Following the “How it Works” session, newly formed school boards held meetings and gained hands on experience in addressing the challenges facing Nebraska schools.
400 delegates from all corners of the state arrived today at Harper Hall on the University of Nebraska – Lincoln campus. Many had a short drive while others arrived on chartered buses that were boarded 8 hours earlier. Each have brought some personal belongings, unique perspectives, and valuable talents.
Upon arrival, delegates were greeted by a host of volunteers including American Legion members and the 36 member counseling staff. Families toured the accommodations in Harper Hall and then said their fair-wells. Quickly, the focus shifted from check-in logistics to building relationships in their town of 50.
The afternoon session at Kimball Recital Hall was steeped in tradition and inspiration. Sen. Ben Sasse, a former Boys Stater and counselor, shared a message about the need to be lifelong learners as the rate of change in the economy is ever increasing. He also shared thoughts about national and world politics stressing the need to work together to understand and address our most important challenges. The session was closed by Chief Counselor Scott Day. Mr. Day encouraged the delegates to take good risks and capitalize on this unique opportunity.
The day’s events concluded with the formation of city governments. Each of the eight towns elected a mayor, city council, school board and more. Tomorrow delegates will learn more about these important local offices and get hands on experience as they become immersed into the Boys’ State government simulation.
Manila Bay
Mayor
Justin D. Xiong
City Council
Carson Wiltfong
Logan Bredemeier
Ben Rhodes
Tyler Lutt
Payton Schaneman
School Board
Nathan Belanger
Riley Heithoff
Jacob Hansen
Junior Aguilar
Cole McReynolds
Bunker Hill
Mayor
Parker Reil
City Council
Preston Connelly
Seth Pearson
Carter Scott
Michael Coffey
Shaye Collins
School Board
Morley Haley
Zach Diessner
Marcus Thimm
Will Wagner
Jordan Ismaiel
County Supervisor
James McArtor
Legislature
Jacob McNeill
Tyler Miller
Choteau Kammel
Jacob Curley
Abram Turner
Noah Smith
Belleau Wood
Mayor
Connor Jolley
School Board
Ryan Rayburn
Blake Isaacson
Michael Wolfe
Brody Nordhausen
Connor McFayden
County Supervisor
William Atkeson
City Council
Samuel Saldivar
Benjamin Schulz
Mitchell McWilliams
Jackson Cummins
Luke Jarecke
Legislature
Dallas Jones
Dillon Burns
John Horner
Colby Enz
Patrick Arnold
Cordell Walker
Yorktown
Mayor
Max Van Arsdall
School Board
Devin Watts
Lance Aspegren
Edison Frederick
Gene Paulsen
Derek Drake
County Supervisor
Justin Mogus
City Council
Zachary Bliss
Blake Langmack
Grant Kathol
Tanner Pinyan
Travis Kerkman
Legislature
Juan Lasso Velasco
Archer Kindopp
Alexander Dack
Miles Morrissey
Jackson Arndt
Bataan
Mayor
Joshua Powers
School Board
Ryan Ochsner
Nate Sandoz
Aubrey Kroll
Damon Arehart
Josh Thompson
County Supervisor
Garrett Skillett
City Council
Hunter Ramer
Brent Lemmer
Max Christen
Zachary Staehr
Tucker Hartley
Legislature
Nathan Spicka
William Lighthart
Grant Goss
Gage Christensen
Cory Shoff
Austen Baack
Ryan Bentz
Valley Forge
Mayor
Ruben Aguilar
School Board
Trent Krejdl
Christopher Bentley
Noah Utter
William Scheele
Logan Johansen
County Supervisor
Brock Vetick
City Council
Caleb Dowling
Kellen Habegger
Christian Lichti
Luke Creek
Matthew Stafford
Legislature
Thomas McNeil
Seth McRobert
Allan Cramblitt
Jonathan Meckel
Ryan Volin
Walt Mays
Alamo
Mayor
Max Beal
School Board
Connor Mumm
John George
Adam Napier
Warren Wilson
Ethan Zastera
County Supervisor
Tate Purviance
City Council
Cordell Cade
Greyson Kreis
Kendal Brandl
Derek Monie
Jonah Schmitt
Legislature
Chase Ochs
Keenan Allen
Andy Zhu
Anthony Eickmeier
Tate Combs
Ethan Yungdahl
Gettysburg
Mayor
Jordan Loseke
School Board
Timothy Havlat
Levi Kasten
Micah Wilson
Mason Brown
Connor Wiggins
County Supervisor
Brody Lewis
City Council
Ben Ward
Michael Douglass
Clarke Chandler
Tyler Williams
Aaron Kurpgeweit
Legislature
Evan True
Cameron Azimi
Christopher Van Meter
Brant Ridder
Zane Dravitzki
Colten Eggleston