Area boys named to Boys State

HARTINGTON — Several area boys will be learning this summer how city, county and state governments work.

Ryan Heimes of Wynot, Adam Burbach of Cedar Catholic, and Blake Gothier of Hartington will be joining nearly 380 other high school juniors from across Nebraska when they attend the American Legion Cornhusker Boys’ State on June 1-7 at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.
Gothier, who is the son of Dan and Marcella Gothier, is a junior at Hartington Public School.

Ross Eickhoff has been chosen as the alternate at Hartington. Ross is the son of Deb Heine and Keith Eickhoff.
Gothier lettered in golf, football and basketball. In 2007, he was named second team all district in football.
Gothier has been a varsity speech letter winner since his freshman year.
As a freshman he placed second at State in OID (Oral Interpretation of Drama) and was the Outstanding Novice Award winner. In his sophomore year he was first at State in OID and fifth at State in Entertainment.
As a junior he came in first at State in OID and Entertainment.
Gothier has been a member of the Student Council since eighth grade. He served as President for his junior year and was recently re-elected to the same office for his senior year.
Gothier participates in both band and chorus.
He is a member of Hartington Public’s Character Education Board.
Gothier is a LEAP (Leaders Energizing Activities in Partnership) member.
He also plays the drums for a local band — Small Town Fire.
“In my spare time, I play gigs with my band,” said Gothier. “I love anything that has to do with the outdoors. I also enjoy playing sports, trying new things, traveling and being with friends and family.”
Someday Gothier wants to have a career that involves public speaking.
Boys’ State, which is an annual citizenship program, is designed to provide youths with a better understanding of how city, county and state governments operate.
Participants will campaign for offices, hold elections, take part in band and chorus, compete in athletics and be involved in other activities.
Adam Burbach has been chosen to represent Cedar Catholic High School at the American Legion Cornhusker Boys’ State which will be held June 1-7.
Adam is the son of Raleigh and Chris Burbach.
Kelby Sudbeck, who is the son of Mark and Jarinda Sudbeck of Fordyce, is the alternate.
Burbach has been on the Straight A Honor Roll since his freshman year and is a member of the National Honor Society.
He was an Academic letter winner the last two years.
He participated in the Quiz Bowl all three years of high school.
Burbach has garnered a number of awards and honors during his high school years.
He earned second place as a freshman and sophomore at the Northeast Nebraska Academic contest.
He was presented the Citizenship Award as a sophomore and has twice received the Presidential Achievement Award, Presidential Academic Excellence Award and the Cedar Catholic Pride Award.
He was also chosen for the State UNL Breakfast of Champions award.
Burbach served as his class treasurer as a freshman and is currently the president of his class.
He has been a member of the Student Council all three years of high school.
He is a member of Band, Jazz Band, Choir, Swing Choir and he was selected for the UNO Honor Choir.
Burbach is a letter winner in football, wrestling and One-Acts and was named the Conference Best supporting Actor in One-Acts as a freshman.
He has been a member of C Club for three years and has also been out for speech for three years.
Burbach has been active in 4-H since third grade and is a member of the Junior Leaders.
Burbach has a love for music.
He plays the trombone in band and practices guitar at home.
With his busy schedule, Burbach has found he does not have a lot of free time.
“I love to read and I like to play cards with my friends when I have time,” Burbach said.
Ryan Heimes, who is a junior at Wynot High School, was chosen to represent his school in Lincoln.
He is the son of Roman and Janice Heimes.
Heimes has participated in football, basketball, track and baseball. He was picked for All State Honorable Menion honors in football.
Heimes is active in FFA and he serves on the Student Council.
He is a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic church in Bow Valley where he is a Eucharistic Minister and Mass server.
“In my free time I enjoy playing sports and having fun with family and friends,” Heimes said.
Heimes is uncertain where he will attend college but he is planning on earning a degree in architecture.
He is pleased the Legion chose him to attend the Cornhusker Boy’s State at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.
The annual citizenship program is designed to provide youths with a better understanding of how city, county and state governments operate.
Boy’s State is set up as a functional “51st state” and each boy learns how government subdivisions operate by actually doing the job.
Participants will campaign for offices, hold elections, take part in band and chorus, compete in athletics and be involved in other activities.
They will set up their own state government and draft bills.
Special lectures and addresses will be delivered by experienced public officials and professional leaders including Governor Dave Heineman and Supreme Court Chief Justice John M. Gerrard. National acclaimed motivational speaker JoAnne Owens-Nauslar is also scheduled to address the group.