Ethan Hanna recites poem in Capitol Rotunda

Ethan Hanna, a CCS third grader, wowed the crowd at a black-tie event in the state Capitol Rotunda Saturday night in Lincoln.
His poem that promoted moving to Nebraska was entered in the Chase County Fair by his second grade teacher, Arlys Cupp. It advanced to the state fair where it took first place.
Leaders of NEBRASKALand Foundation invited Hanna to read the poem at their annual Statehood Day Dinner in the Capitol where Governor Ricketts was one of the diplomats attending. Hanna’s guest was his mother, Tanna Hanna.
Hanna’s poem fit right into the foundation’s mission and passion to celebrate, educate and promote Nebraska.
Although very nervous, he said he told himself, “Don’t look nervous. Don’t look nervous.” Evidently he convinced himself as he added, “It was easy, easy.”
“Ethan’s part in the program literally brought tears to my eyes,” said Lori Pankonin. “Dressed in his suit, he confidently went to the stage and never fumbled as he read his clever poem with articulation and expression. Imperial can be so proud,” she said.
Pankonin commends the NEBRASKAland members who gave a young man a life-long memory from a tremendous opportunity. She also acknowledged the dedication of his teacher, Cupp, who is committed to inspiring young minds and recognizing their talents publicly.  
Hanna was introduced to numerous diplomats who signed his book. He was proud of the business cards he was given by two consulates from Japan. Hanna personally asked Governor Ricketts to sign postcards for his friends.
Part of the trip included a tour of the Capitol when he and other CCS students were presented medals in honor of their state fair awards. Also attending was Cupp, their teacher who instigated the entries that made the trip possible.
Other western Nebraska honorees were Keith and Doris Olsen of Grant, who were selected by the NEBRASKAland Foundation for being an admirable example for successful agriculture in Nebraska.
Following is Hanna’s poem, Nebraska, It’s a Good Life:
Let’s move to Nebraska, please please please.
We’ll just feel the gentle breeze, breeze, breeze.
Let’s move to Nebraska, please please please,
We’ll get to see the buzzing honey bees, bees, bees.
Let’s move to Nebraska, please please please,
We’ll eat yummy curds of cheese, cheese, cheese.
Let’s move to Nebraska, please please please,
It’s a place that in winter you might freeze, freeze, freeze.
Let’s move to Nebraska, please please please,
I want to sit in the shade of the cottonwood trees, trees, trees.
Let’s move to Nebraska, please, please, please,
It’s the best place ever to grow peas, peas peas.
I really want to feel Nebraska’s breeze and see the bees, cheese, freeze, trees and grow some peas.
I’m on my knees begging you
Please, please please. Let’s move to Nebraska!