May 9, 2005

Dear Fellow Nebraskans:

Not long ago I had the privilege to host some very special visitors at the Governor’s Residence in Lincoln. The fifth-grade class from Fremont’s Howard Elementary School came to Lincoln to tour the State Capitol, as do thousands of students from across Nebraska each year. What made this tour so special was that this group of students was accompanied by Nebraska’s First Lady.

My wife, Sally, is the principal at Howard Elementary. When I became Nebraska’s 39th Governor, Sally said that if she were the First Lady; that meant her students were the First Students of Nebraska – and they have risen to the occasion. Sally told them that being the First Students meant they would need to be kind to one another, be responsible and always try their best.

The past several months have been a great learning experience and many of her students have taken their new role very seriously. So when the fifth-grade class scheduled a day to tour the State Capitol, Sally and I promised we’d have the kids over to the Governor’s Residence for lunch.

The day began with a bus trip to Lincoln in the morning, followed by a class picture on the steps of the Capitol. The students met with State Treasurer Ron Ross and by mid-morning were beginning their tour at the Capitol with more than a few parents who had accompanied the class to Lincoln.

I met everyone over at the Residence and spent some time talking with the kids before we had lunch. I gave them the chance to weigh in on what design they would choose to be on our state quarter, and the vote was split about equal among the four designs. Sally had told the kids that a buffet would be set up for lunch, so they got a kick out of being served burgers and french fries by the staff who work at the Residence.

Our son Sam is usually home around lunchtime, so after I headed back to work at the Capitol, Sally and Sam gave the students and their parents a glance at the family quarters of the Governor’s Residence. The tour had one notable exception and that was Sam’s room. Like most 20 year olds, the room is what his parents consider a mess. I heard later that the kids really enjoyed riding to the second floor on the private elevator and thought the bathrooms were pretty neat.

After they had conquered the State Capitol and Governor’s Residence, the group moved onto the Museum of Nebraska History, which was the last stop of the day, and then returned home to Fremont a little late after a busy day.

This was truly an historic moment for the fifth-graders of Howard Elementary. My hope is that they’ll look back on their year in fifth grade, and remember that they were Nebraska’s First Students and the sense of pride and responsibility they felt. I think it’s the best way to understand what it feels like – and what it means – to hold a public office such as Governor.

I am very proud of the students who take such an interest in learning about Nebraska’s history and our unique system of government. I feel a tremendous sense of responsibility to help all of Nebraska’s students prepare for the day when they will become the leaders of this great state.