Since fall 2015, Connecticut’s fifth graders have elected one of their peers to serve as the state’s Kid Governor through the Connecticut Democracy Center’s Kid Governor® program. Each year, these students embark on a year-long term of leadership and civic engagement centered around a community issue that is important to them and the students of Connecticut. Meet our past Kid Governors!
2026 Kid Governor
Theresa “Tessa” Hallinan
Green Acres Elementary School – North Haven, CT
Platform: Everyone Belongs
2025 Kid Governor
Keudy Martinez
H.S. Chase Elementary School – Waterbury, CT
Platform: Speaking Up for Safe & Happy Schools
2024 Kid Governor
Cristiano Almeida
Zaya A. Oshana Elementary School – Southington, CT
Platform: Getting Fit 4 Fun
2023 Kid Governor
Elisavet “Ellie” Mendez
Monroe Elementary School – Monroe, CT
Platform: Express and Address Your Feelings
2022 Kid Governor
Makhi Ettienne-Modeste
John F. Kennedy School – Windsor, CT
Platform: Protecting Our Pets
2021 Kid Governor
Reese Naughton
Zaya A. Oshana Elementary School – Southington, CT
Platform: Be Positive: Pandemic Perseverance
2020 Kid Governor
Myra Stanfield
Eric G. Norfeldt Elementary School – West Hartford, CT
Platform: Standing Up for Animals in Need
2019 Kid Governor
Ella Briggs
CREC Ana Grace Academy of the Arts Elementary School – Avon, CT
Hometown: East Hampton, CT
Platform: Pride-Hope-Love
2018 Kid Governor
Megan Kasperowski
Brownstone Intermediate School – Portland, CT
Platform: Stronger Than Cancer: Lifting Spirits & Changing Lives
2017 Kid Governor
Jessica Brocksom
John F. Kennedy Elementary School – Milford, CT
Platform: Helping Animals, Those Without a Voice
2016 Kid Governor
Elena Tipton
Dr. Thomas S. O’Connell Elementary School – East Hartford, CT
Platform: Campaign for Kindness