I’m Nana Appau, and I go to Odyssey Community School. I am excited and honored to introduce myself as a member of 2026 Kid Governor Tessa Hallinan’s Cabinet! I am eager to make a difference in Connecticut, and in my hometown of Manchester. I hope to inspire all the 5th graders to embrace their own potential to invoke change, and I hope you will support Tessa and our 2026 team! We all have the power to make a difference, and I am excited to work with the entire Kid Governor team, the Connecticut Democracy Center and all of you!
My strongest leadership quality is my dedication to assuring that no one is ever left behind; my teachers and classmates will stand behind that. I am excited to work with Tessa and support her platform of inclusion for students with disabilities as I am determined to make sure that kids always feel good about themselves.
My platform of Balance, Believe and Breathe focuses on anxiety as I know that many students struggle with this challenge in their school day and their daily lives. Like Kid Governor Tessa, I hope to create an environment where no one is afraid to address how and why they are feeling. Further, I hope to look for ways to make their feelings more positive. I believe my three-point platform aligns with Tessa’s: we all want the students of Connecticut to feel a positive sense of belonging and know that they each have gifts to share!
My three-point plan is:
1. Many kids in schools across Connecticut experience anxiety in physical ways. Looking to BALANCE this, I will invite 5th graders to create videos about how they reduce anxiety during the school day.
2. Kids need to BELIEVE that they can control their feelings of anxiety. I will encourage schools to create safe and calm places where students can go when they feel anxious in order to adjust and return to class ready to learn.
3. BREATHE! I will create a video series to help fifth graders recognize and manage the symptoms of anxiety.
When I am not studying, I love to play soccer and basketball as they are my two favorite sports. I play video games like Rocket League, Fortnite and Roblox with my friends.
I am most thankful for my family: my mom, dad, two VERY energetic brothers, and my Grandma. I love my family because they are always there to support and love me in all of my efforts to be my best self! I am most proud of my Ghanaian heritage because everyone is incredibly kind and welcoming. We have a special word, “Akwaaba,” which means welcome!
If you have ideas about how we can address the issue of anxiety, email me at Nana@CT.KidGovenor.org. You can also visit CT.KidGovernor.org/cabinet2026 to learn about the other Cabinet Members and their platforms.
I am truly honored to be a part of the 2026 cabinet. I look forward to working with all of you to make a change in the world.
“One person can make a difference, so everyone should try.”
John F. Kennedy