Community Issue: Inclusion for Students with Disabilities
School: Green Acres Elementary School, North Haven
Cabinet: 2026 Kid Governor’s Cabinet
YouTube: 2026 Kid Governor Theresa “Tessa” Hallinan
About Kid Governor-Elect Tessa!
My name is Tessa Hallinan and I live in North Haven with my mom, dad, and my 7-year-old sister named Erin. I have a cat named Lucy, and I really want a dog. In my free time, I like to read, write stories, and hang out with my friends. I believe I am kind, thoughtful, loyal, and I’m not afraid to stand up for what’s right.
Kid Governor-Elect Tessa’s Platform
I chose inclusion for kids with disabilities as my community issue because I have many relatives who have disabilities. My cousin has dyslexia, my step-cousin is teased because he is a cancer survivor and has to wear bags around his waist, and my step-cousin has autism.
My three-point platform includes:
1. Sharing videos about including, accepting, and understanding kids with disabilities for classes to watch together.
2. Inviting schools to start buddy systems that pair fifth grade leaders with kids with disabilities.
3. Encouraging schools to designate a “Buddy Lunch Table” in the cafeteria where students can sit if they feel left out or need a friend.
Announcing Tessa as Connecticut’s
2026 Kid Governor
On November 20, 2025, WTNH’s Dennis House and Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas announced that Theresa “Tessa” Hallinan was elected by Connecticut’s fifth graders to serve as the state’s eleventh Kid Governor.
Watch the live announcement of Tessa as Connecticut’s 2026 Kid Governor at Green Acres Elementary School.