5th graders: submissions are due by Tuesday, March 31, 2026!
Kid Governor Tessa Hallinan’s platform is Everyone Belongs and it addresses inclusion for students with disabilities. One way Tessa is advancing her platform is by collaborating with the Department of Children and Families and CT Family Day on a statewide poster contest!
Tessa invites 5th graders to submit artwork that answers the question:
In what ways do you and your family welcome and include people with disabilities so everyone feels happy, safe, and like they belong?
Finalists’ posters will be shared on the Connecticut’s Kid Governor® website and celebrated at CT Family Day.
Poster Contest Deadline: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Contest Rules
- Open to all Connecticut 5th graders.
- Artwork must be entrant’s own original creation, on 8.5”x11” white paper.
- Colored pencils, crayons, paint, and markers are permitted—bold colors look best!
- Digitally-created artwork is not allowed.
- Must include at least one handprint (drawn or traced).
Submitting Artwork
Completed Permission Form, art description, and a scan or photograph of artwork must be emailed or shared via Google Drive with Linda.Preston@CT.KidGovernor.org by Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
Original hard copies of artwork must be mailed to the following address by the deadline: Connecticut’s Old State House, Attn: Linda Preston, 800 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06103.
Selection of the Winners
Kid Governor Tessa, her Cabinet, and the Department of Children and Families will select twelve contest finalists and one winner. The contest winner and finalists will be announced in May 2026.
The finalists and winner will each receive a pass for a free tour (up to four people) at Connecticut’s Old State House in Hartford, home of the Kid Governor® program!
The winner’s artwork will be shared with schools across the state and will be displayed in the Kid Governor’s Office at Connecticut’s Old State House.
