Photos: Cornhusker Girls State holds 85th inauguration at Nebraska State Capitol
Cornhusker Girls State, sponsored by American Legion Auxiliary, is held every year for girls who have finished their junior year of high school and have been nominated by school officials. Upon their arrival, girls are divided into two parties, the Nationalists and Federalists, and into eight cities, named after presidents of the United States.
The Girls State inauguration at the Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Girls from all over Nebraska are attending sessions in Lincoln to familiarize them with local, state and the federal government.
Hadassah Rankin of Central City speaks after being sworn in as Governor at the Girls State inauguration the Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Girls from all over Nebraska are attending sessions in Lincoln to familiarize them with local, state and the federal government.
Girls state attendees look up at the rotunda during the inauguration at the Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Girls from all over Nebraska are attending sessions in Lincoln to familiarize them with local, state and the federal government.
Attendees stand for the national anthem during the Girls State inauguration at the Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Girls from all over Nebraska are attending sessions in Lincoln to familiarize them with local, state and the federal government.
Hadassah Rankin of Central City speaks after being sworn in as governor at Girls State.
Hadassah Rankin of Central City speaks after being sworn in as Governor at the Girls State inauguration the Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Girls from all over Nebraska are attending sessions in Lincoln to familiarize them with local, state and the federal government.
Nebraska Supreme Court Justice Hon. Stephanie Stacy talks with a group of Girls State attendees at the Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Girls from all over Nebraska are attending sessions in Lincoln to familiarize them with local, state and the federal government.
Girls State attendees walk around in the Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Girls from all over Nebraska are attending sessions in Lincoln to familiarize them with local, state and the federal government.
The Girls State legislature meets at the Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Girls from all over Nebraska are attending sessions in Lincoln to familiarize them with local, state and the federal government.
Harper Rutt of Nebraska City discuses a bill as the Girls State legislature meets at the Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Girls from all over Nebraska are attending sessions in Lincoln to familiarize them with local, state and the federal government.
Natalie Jorgensen of Paxton discuses a bill as the Girls State legislature meets at the Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Girls from all over Nebraska are attending sessions in Lincoln to familiarize them with local, state and the federal government.
Callie Leauge of Glenvil discuses a bill as the Girls State legislature meets at the Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Girls from all over Nebraska are attending sessions in Lincoln to familiarize them with local, state and the federal government.
Cornhusker Girls State participants implore politicians to listen to young voices and to take a collaborative approach.Â
