CONNECTICUT KID GOVERNOR INAUGURATION

On January 20th we had the pleasure of photographing the Connecticut Kid Governor Inauguration!

What is the Connecticut Kid Governor?

It is a program that involves fifth graders all around the state. Above all the program gives kids first hand insight and experience in learning about state government, elections, and voting.

Students public, private, magnet, charter, and home schools all participate. Fifth graders research community issues they care about, next they create three-point platforms, and finally make campaign videos. Schools run primaries, select nominees, then each school presents a winning candidate to the Statewide Election. After that, in November fifth graders around the state cast their votes and the winning candidate serves one term as the Connecticut Kid Governor! Finally, the CT Kid Governor is announced and sworn into office! 

Inauguration Day 2023

The Connecticut Kid Governor Inauguration celebrates the winning candidate’s hard work! The 2023 Kid Governor is Elisavet “Ellie” Mendez. She is a fifth grader from Monroe Elementary School. Her platform is addressing Anxiety and Depression. Her three points on how to help this community issue are:

1. Promote strategies for 5th graders to communicate their feelings.

2. Educate students about the signs of Anxiety and Depression and strategies to cope with those feelings.

3. Create a digital mental health hub with uplifting messages and interactive resources to inspire kids

The Connecticut Kid Governor Inauguration Day was filled with excitement! On January 20th Ellie & her cabinet (the six runners up of the Kid Governor election) were sworn into office! Connecticut’s Old State House was the location for this special event. Additionally, this year was the first year since COVID that the CT Kid Governor & her cabinet’s classes were able to join the celebration and witness the Inauguration!

During the event the 2022 Kid Governor Makhi Ettienne-Modeste gave his farewell address. He explained how he was successful in addressing his issue in the community. As well as provided some advice and insight to Ellie as she prepares to take on her role of Kid Governor!

“The celebration included a formal inauguration ceremony, news conference with Kid Governor Ellie and her Cabinet, and an educational program with elected officials from the three branches of state government. Special guests included: Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, Treasurer Erick Russell, Attorney General William Tong, Deputy Comptroller Tara Downes, Commissioner of Education Charlene Russell-Tucker, State Senator Marilyn Moore, State Representative Tony Scott, State Representative Kathy Kennedy, State Representative Steve Weir, Supreme Court Justice Steven Ecker, and retired Supreme Court Justice Dennis Eveleigh. Additionally live music was provided by the State Troubadour Kala Farnham. NBC Connecticut’s Ted Koppy emceed the event.” – The CT Kid Governor Office. 

Ellie, her parents, her aunt, and her brother were smiling the entire Inauguration day! The pride Ellie and her family shared for her major accomplishment was contagious!  Furthermore if you would like to learn more about Ellie and her platform click here.

In conclusion, we cannot wait to hear of Ellie’s accomplishments over this next year as the Connecticut Kid Governor!

Take a look at last year’s Inauguration Day!

Learn ALL there is to know about the CT Kid Governor program!

Want to see more photos by Brian Ambrose Photography? Take a look at our events page!