ANSLEY – A fifth grader from Ansley Public Schools is earning statewide recognition for advocating concussion awareness and will have a chance to become Nebraska’s next Kid Governor.
Ryan Olson is one of the seven finalists selected for the 2027 Nebraska Kid Governor election. The statewide program gives fifth graders an opportunity to learn about government, elections and civic engagement while advocating for issues important to their communities.
Olson chose concussion awareness for his campaign platform, drawing from his own experience with a concussion.
“I’ve had a concussion and in doing more research, I have found out how dangerous concussions can become,” Olson said. “And it’s not only kids that should be aware of concussions, but adults should be too.”
His three point action plan includes creating a brain safety team, educating people about concussion symptoms and taking action to follow through with the plan.
Olson said his teacher, Ms. Evans, first introduced him to the program and encouraged him to participate. He began working on his campaign in September before submitting a video outlining his platform.
After learning he had been selected as a finalist, Olson said he was excited to represent his school.
“The most exciting part was that we’re a pretty small school, and I got picked,” Olson said. “I am looking forward to it helping me get to UNL.”
After high school, Olson hopes to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, play football for the Huskers and eventually pursue his goal of playing in the NFL.
The statewide election gives thousands of Nebraska fifth graders the opportunity to vote for their preferred candidate. The student receiving the most votes will serve as Nebraska Kid Governor, while the other six finalists will serve on the Kid Governor’s Cabinet.
All seven finalists will have the opportunities to work on projects related to their campaign platforms throughout their terms, which run from January through December 2027.
The Nebraska Kid Governor program is led by Civic Nebraska and is designed to encourage young students to become involved in their communities and make a difference through civic participation.
