Boys’ and Girls’ State Representatives Chosen
by Cali Kruger and Kara Polt
March 24, 2008
The Pierce American Legion Auxiliary and American Legion have chosen the 2008 Boys’ and Girls’ State representatives. The two Boys’ Staters are Chays Ronspies and Willie Wragge. Josh Bresler is the alternate. The Girls’ Stater is Faye Gerteisen, and the alternate is Ashlyn Doerr. The Staters will be attending the program June 1 to June 8 in Lincoln.
Cornhusker Boys’ and Girls’ State is a nationally recognized program that provides young men and women the opportunity to learn about the fundamental principles of American government through actual practice. The selection process is difficult, and only the most qualified high school juniors are chosen to participate.
This year over four hundred boys will attend Cornhusker Boys’ State and over four hundred girls will attend Cornhusker Girls’ State. There is no cost to the delegates or to their parents for attending state. Fees are funded by the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary Units, community organizations or businesses, and school organizations.
This year’s Cornhusker Girls’ State delegate, Fayelen Gerteisen, is the daughter of Chris Gerteisen. Faye is involved in FCCLA, speech, Spanish club, National Honor Society, quiz bowl, one-act, all-school play, band, and choir. Outside of school she is involved in the Christ Lutheran Luther League, Relay for Life, National Youth Leaders, 4-H, Kids Against Hunger, and Healthtrek. Faye also traveled to New Orleans to work for Lutheran Disaster Relief.
Ashlyn Doerr, the alternate for Girls’ State, is the daughter of Doug and Nancy Doerr. Ashlyn is involved in peer tutoring; marching, jazz, concert, and pep band; one-act play; all-school play; speech; Spanish club; Girls’ Letter Club; Student Council; quiz bowl; FCA; National Honor Society; CCDC; and she is the junior class secretary. Outside of school, Ashlyn plays the saxophone in her church’s worship group PAX - Praise and Exaltation. She is also a member of the Plainview Klown Band.
Chays Ronspies is the son of Gary and Michele Ronspies. His activities include football, track, academic team, peer tutor, National Honor Society, intramural basketball, and boys’ letter club.
Willie Wragge is the son of Bill and Kim Wragge. His activities include FFA, football, golf, intramural basketball, and boys’ letter club.
Josh Bresler is the son of John and Lani Bresler and Kelly Catron. His activities include all-school play, one-act play, choir, all-state choir, speech, quiz bowl, all-state jazz choir, and intramural basketball.
Chays Ronspies said, “I feel really good that I was chosen and am looking forward to the experience.” Willie Wragge said, “I am really excited that I was chosen, and I am looking forward to learning more about our government.”
