Last night, my husband and I skipped our usual mindless sitcom before bed to watch the VP debate. Our daughter, grounded from TV, politely declined the offer to witness democracy in action. After about 30 minutes, my husband had enough—no debate would change his mind—so he headed to the bedroom. I agreed; it had been a long day, and despite it being the best presidential debate I’ve seen in a decade, I too was tempted by the comfort of a warm bed and mind-numbing TV. But instead of sitcoms, he turned on John Oliver.

If you’re not familiar, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver is a NSFW satirical news show on HBO that combines humor with a deep dive into current events. Oliver excels at taking seemingly mundane topics and showing why they deserve our attention. We watch it right before bed, which means I end up having nightmares about issues like trash and insurance. He starts each episode with an overview of the week’s events, and last night’s included a couple of creative kids from Kentucky.

WDKS-FM logo
Get our free mobile app

Oliver kicked off the show by highlighting contests where kids submitted designs for “I Voted” stickers. He showcased a Michigan winner that featured a wolf dramatically ripping off its shirt in front of an American flag while exclaiming, “I VOTED!” Oliver praised it, joking that he’d commit voter fraud for extra stickers.

Then he turned to Kentucky’s stickers, highlighting a winning design by 11-year-old Lillian Bonczkiewicz—a majestic bay horse galloping in front of a shredded American flag. She said her design represented “Kentucky’s unbridled spirit” and “freedom.” I almost put my hand over my heart and recited the Pledge of Allegiance like I was a Griswold at Christmas dinner.

KY Secretary of State's Office
KY Secretary of State's Office
loading...

But the real showstopper was a runner-up design featuring The Lizard from “The Amazing Spider-Man,” submitted by a student named Cash Litzler. Cash thought, “if lizard man can vote, you can too.” Oliver pointed out how powerful that message is—lizard men don’t secretly run the government; they get one vote, just like everyone else!

KY Secretary of State's Office
KY Secretary of State's Office
loading...
Michael Adams, KY Secretary of State joked in a tweet," The winner of our first "I Voted" sticker contest is middle schooler Lillian Bonczkiewicz of Carlisle County. The margin, while close, is outside the recanvass threshold and Lizard Man has graciously conceded."

I agree with Oliver—creativity matters. Even though I'm in Indiana and can't get a Kentucky “I Voted” sticker, there’s nothing stopping me from bribing my parents for one.

Fun, Interesting, and...Yes...WEIRD Kentucky Facts

I can't thank the University of Louisville's library enough for this fun collection of facts about the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Enjoy!

Gallery Credit: Dave Spencer

Kentucky TikTok Accounts You Should Follow

Love these folks! Keep scrolling to see some of their videos.

Gallery Credit: MKAT

More From WDKS-FM