2026 Kid Governor’s Cabinet

About Me:
My name is Ajla Reci and I live in Wethersfield with my brother, mom, and dad. I go to Charles Wright Elementary School and I’m allergic to milk. I like doing math, reading, playing with friends, and going hiking. As a leader, I’m respectful, I’m a problem solver, and I have empathy for others.

My Community Issue:
I chose screen time as my community issue because I think it can be really helpful to not use electronics as much. When people turn off their screens and go outside, they can discover a lot of other fun things to do. People can have problems if they stay inside and use electronics most of the time. I want to share ideas that get people doing other things so they won’t even miss their screens.

Did You Know?:
Did you know that most parents are worried about their child’s excessive screen time? And almost 40% of teens admit that they use screens too much of the time, according to the Pew Research Center. Spending hours a day on digital devices can cause problems with attention, mental health, sleep, and physical fitness. People who are in favor of using smartphones in school talk about the educational benefits. But experts also point out that kids can have trouble focusing on class when they have unlimited videos, games, and media in their hands. Let’s find ways to interact and have fun without screens! 

About My Platform:

1. Encourage book club challenges in schools with prizes for students who read the most books.
2. Organize a statewide Screen Free Week when students can do fun activities like crafts, games, outdoor play, and reading together.
3. Invite schools to start Book Buddy programs in schools where older kids read to younger ones

About Me:
My name is Alyvia Stoddard and I live in Stafford. I live with my mom, dad, brother, sister, and grandfather. I have one dog named Bluey. The reason we named him that was because he has VERY pretty blue eyes. I like to play on the trampoline, play with friends, dance, flip, cheer, and watch movies. As a leader, I am very helpful, honest, kind, and respectful.

My Community Issue:
I chose marine pollution because animals are a huge part of my life. Animals in the ocean are getting choked and are dying because of us. I think we should be responsible and not leave a bunch of trash in or around lakes and oceans. Another reason I chose this issue is that I want us to respect animals and remember how hurt they can get by just us littering.

Did You Know?:
Did you know that animals can become entangled in debris, leading to injury, starvation, or drowning? They can ingest plastic because they mistake it for food, which causes internal damage, false feelings of fullness, and potential death. Additionally, plastics absorb toxins from the water, which are then transferred to marine animals when eaten. Marine plastic pollution kills an estimated 1 million seabirds, 100,000 marine mammals, and countless other marine animals annually, according to Seas Your Dreams. There are steps we can take to reduce and remove pollutants from the ocean. We can make a positive difference in the life of marine animals!

About My Platform:

1. Raise awareness about the impact of littering.
2. Create signs to encourage people to clean up.
3. Plan community clean up events.

About Me:
My name is Dylan Ellis and I live in the Broad Brook section of East Windsor with my parents and sister, Brook. I attend CREC Academy of International Studies Elementary School in South Windsor. I am a member of the Student Action Leadership Team and am very proud of my school. I have a passion for soccer; I captain the Hartford Athletic U12 Red Team and also play with my town travel team. I believe all students, though different, are the same.

My Community Issue:
My community issue is racism. This issue matters because many kids feel unaccepted because of their race, religion, or skin color. No child should have to worry about being treated unfairly because of their skin color or background. Racism doesn’t just hurt one group, it hurts everyone. When someone is treated unfairly, we all lose the chance to learn and grow together. “Different doesn’t mean less.” Let’s replace judgment with curiosity and kindness!

Did You Know?:
In Connecticut, racial inequities still affect many children’s daily lives. According to Connecticut’s Juvenile Justice Equity Dashboard, Latino and Black students are 2–5 times more likely to be referred to juvenile court for chronic absence from school than white students. Data from the Department of Children and Families shows that children of color are also overrepresented in foster care compared to their share of the state’s population. These numbers remind us that racism isn’t just history, it continues to shape opportunities for kids today. Together, we can build communities where every child is treated with fairness and respect.

About My Platform:

1. Learn, Don’t Label: Encourage schools to teach about different cultures.
2. Start a “See Something, Say Something” pledge so students can promise to speak up when they see unfair treatment.
3. Lead a statewide “We may look different, but we are all the same” campaign to help students see that kindness is our superpower.

About Me:
My name is Myra Ruparel, and I go to Center School in Ellington. I live with my mom, dad, and my little brother. I enjoy playing competitive sports like basketball, soccer, and swimming, and I love singing, drawing, dancing, learning, and playing with friends. I am responsible, honest, empathetic, and energetic. I believe in including everyone, listening to others, helping those in need, and leading by example.

My Community Issue:
Friends are a big part of my life. They comfort, support, and encourage you to be yourself. When kids are left out, they can feel lonely, sad, invisible, and angry, which can lead to social isolation and affect mental health and learning. Every kid deserves to feel like they belong, no matter their skin color, language, abilities, background, or ideas. Let’s address social inclusion so every kid in Connecticut feels heard, seen, included, and knows they are good enough.

Did You Know?:
Did you know that 10-15% of kids are rejected by their peers, according to Science Direct? I surveyed my class and found 41% of kids have recently felt excluded. The CDC states that 1 out of 5 children have been diagnosed with a mental health issue, and Hope Labs found more than half of young people named loneliness as a top reason for their mental health issues. Studies reviewed by the NIH suggest that social connection leads to better educational outcomes for students. This is why we should encourage kids to be inclusive of their peers.

About My Platform:

1. Ask schools to have weekly Mix-It-Up Lunch Days so students sit with someone new.
2. Invite schools to recognize a “Star Student” each week to share about their background.
3. Encourage schools to give out “Includer Points” to students who are being inclusive.

About Me:
My name is Nana Appau and I live in Manchester with my mom, dad, two brothers, and grandma. I enjoy playing soccer, basketball, and video games. My favorite subject is math because I love problem solving. I’m proud of my Ghanaian heritage. My leadership qualities include honesty, politeness, and respectfulness. I enjoy helping everyone feel good about themselves.

My Community Issue:
My issue is anxiety because many kids (and adults) in school struggle with anxiety, and sometimes the effects can be very serious. Anxiety can make school and life really difficult for students. Reflect for a minute: do you struggle or have you seen kids in your school challenged by anxiety? My guess is yes. Together, we can and need to raise awareness about anxiety and make a positive difference in the lives of kids. 

Did You Know?:
Did you know that in September of 2025, WFSB Channel 3 and the Connecticut Education Association worked together to create a survey in which the teachers of OUR state expressed huge concerns about the high levels of anxiety teachers are seeing in their students? Anxiety is not new, but we are seeing MORE children challenged by anxiety, and the age of these children is increasingly younger. National data from the National Education Association shows that this trend is happening around the country, but there are resources available to help. We can make a positive difference in our classmates’ lives!

About My Platform:

1. Balance: Invite fifth graders to create videos showing physical activities that relieve anxiety.
2. Believe: Encourage schools to create a safe, calm place where students can regulate. 
3. Breathe: Create videos to help students recognize and manage the symptoms of anxiety.

About Me:
Hi everyone! My name is Samuel, and I attend Renzulli Academy in Hartford. I have two older siblings and two younger siblings, but I’m like a big “bro” to all of them. In my spare time I play sports, chess, and video games. I play trombone, collect cards, take family road trips, and root for the UConn Huskies. I am also an avid reader and am on Book 11 of the Wings of Fire series.

My Community Issue:
I want to use my leadership skills to end cyberbullying. Cyberbullying can make people feel unsafe and scared on social media or when gaming, even though they are there to interact with family, friends, or to make new friends. We can all help end the menace of cyberbullying by addressing it when it happens to us or someone we know. I have organized three easy to remember steps: Stop, Block, Screenshot.

Did You Know?:
According to cyberbullying.org, over 100,000 kids per day skip school because they are being cyberbullied. They found that in the past ten years, the rate of boys and girls who have experienced cyberbullying has nearly doubled. No one should have to be that afraid, and no one should have to miss school because of that fear. This is a real problem! If you don’t go to school, you miss out on opportunities and learning. I want to use my leadership qualities to end cyberbullying and help you learn to be part of the solution.

About My Platform:

1. Stop: Teach students not to react to bullies’ comments.
2. Block: Teach students to block bullies from sending more messages.
3. Screenshot: Teach students to screenshot and report bullying.