Regan Fernau of Carroll, daughter of Jim and Mandi Fernau, and a junior at Wayne High School Name, has been selected to represent Carroll and Wayne Community Schools at the 2025 session of American Legion Auxiliary Cornhusker Girls State.
This event will be held June 1–7, 2025, at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary Unit Carroll ALA Unit 165, Regan was chosen for her outstanding leadership qualities, academic achievements, and involvement in school and community activities. She will join hundreds of other accomplished young women from across Nebraska for a week of immersive citizenship training and leadership development.
Regan is active with FCCLA, a member of the Wayne High Bowling team, active member of the Carroll United Methodist Church, Junior American Legion Auxiliary member and a member of the Combination Kids 4H group.
Cornhusker Girls State is a nonpartisan, non-political program sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary Department of Nebraska. It is part of a nationwide initiative aimed at instilling a deeper understanding of government operations and civic responsibility in high school students. Since its founding in 1939, the program has helped develop generations of women leaders.
Throughout the week, delegates will actively participate in the creation and operation of a fictional state government. From campaigning and elections to legislative sessions and judicial proceedings, delegates will experience first-hand the responsibilities of citizenship and the inner workings of government. They will form cities and counties, write and debate bills, and run for offices such as mayor, governor and state senator.
In addition to learning about government, delegates attend seminars, leadership workshops, and patriotic ceremonies. They also participate in team-building activities, talent showcases, and meet with real-life state leaders, elected officials, and professionals in public service. The week culminates in the election of the Cornhusker Girls State Governor and other state officers.
Cornhusker Girls State not only fosters civic understanding but also builds confidence, friendships, and leadership skills that last a lifetime. Many past Girl State delegates have gone on to achieve success in public service, education, law, and business—including former Nebraska Governor Kay Orr, a past Girls State delegate.
