Six SHS Representatives Attend Sophomore Pilgrimage at State Capitol

April 08, 2024

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Six Seward High Students were selected the representatives to the annual GFWC NFWC Sophomore Pilgrimage at the State Capitol in Lincoln on Wednesday, April 1 in an all-day event. The students included SHS Sophomores Adrey Broadwell, Cardin Groacke,Avery Rodocker, LilyBrashear, Grace Matulka and Ayda Metschke, along with  Trevor Menke-SHS History and Government teacher. 

The students were co-sponsored by the GFWC Seward Woman’s Club, the GFWC Seward Junior Women’s Club and the School District of Seward High Ability Learner Program.  The state event is sponsored by the GFWC Nebraska Federation of Women’s Clubs, INC.  The students were selected by a written application and interview in the fall of 2023. 

The students were scheduled and met with Senator Jana Hughes of the 24^th Nebraska Legislative District, Governor Jim Pillen, Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly, Secretary of State Robert Evnen, State Treasurer John Murante, Attorney General Mike Hilgers and State Auditor Mike Foley.  The official greeting was given by the GFWC NFWC State President Karen Crandall of Papillion, Nebraska and a history of the Sophomore Pilgrimage was shared by GFWC NFWC Past Presdident Bonnie Kruse. 

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The students each met with their State Senator, with the SHS students visiting with Senator Jana Hughes, who is an SHS alum.  They enjoyed a pizza lunch at the Governor’s Mansion with Senator Hughes, after visiting the State Legislature in session. 

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In the afternoon, the entire group visited the State Judicial Branch and toured the State’s Supreme Court facilities and a tour of the capitol.

The Sophomore Pilgrimage program has been recognized nationally by the GFWC for serving as a strong educational effort to assist in developing local leadership in the high schools.  Local GFWC NFWC State Public Affairs Chair and the event chair for this event was Jane Sonneland of Lincoln.  The GFWC NFWC is the official affiliate member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) for the State of Nebraska.