October "Shout Outs" to Kids Helping Animals!

I have some shout outs for kids who visited my Kid Governor's Office at Connecticut's Old State House in Hartford and shared how they want to be kind to animals through my animal cut-out activity:

• Sarah said "I can learn about what animals need to be healthy."
• Chelsey wrote "I can serve my time to a local animal shelter."
• Camillo wrote "I can put a container of water in the street on hot days to help street dogs or cats" 
• Dylan said "I can try to make a food organization for animals."
• Brenna wrote "I can make donations to the animal shelters."
• Grace said "I can make an effort to not leave trash outside because I know it can hurt an animal." 
• Jerick said "I can give money to charities that help abused animals."
• Julia wrote "I can do a can and bottle drive to raise money to donate to the animal shelters."

Reading the animal cut-outs visitors have left in my office at the Old State House!

Another huge shout out to Elena Tipton the 2016 Connecticut's Kid Governor for going to my office and picking out some great cut outs from kids across the state.

2016 Kid Governor Elena in the Kid Governor's Office at the Old State House

If you want to get a shout out just email me at CKGJessica@kidgovernor.org.

Have a great day and keep helping animals, those without a voice!

Your Kid Governor, 

Inauguration Day 2017!

Hey guys! Last month was Inauguration Day 2017, my official inauguration as the 2017 Connecticut's Kid Governor. I want to tell you all about that amazing day!

So many people came (more than 250!), and I was able to meet some very inspiring people like: Governor Dannel Malloy, United States Senator Richard Blumenthal, Secretary of the State Denise Merrill, State Senator Gayle Slossberg, State Representative Kim Rose, State Representative Charles Ferraro, State Representative Pam Staneski, Commissioner of Education Dianna Wentzell, and so many others.

Me at Inauguration Day 2017 alongside dignitaries, special guests, 2016 CKG Elena Tipton, and the other six finalists from the Statewide Election. 

I also had the opportunity to meet the other six finalists in the 2016 Connecticut's Kid Governor election. They all had great platforms as well!

At first I was a little overwhelmed by all the people, cameras,and news crews, but everyone was so kind, and helped me feel at ease. We heard from our dignitaries during the Inauguration ceremony, and Secretary Merrill gave me the official Oath of Office. The six finalists and I participated in a news conference and answered questions from our classmates about our platforms and experiences as candidates for Kid Governor. 

Taking the Kid Governor Oath of Office!

Later, I got to hold an activity in my office for all the kids that came. I answered questions about how many siblings I have, and how many pets I have (by the way, I have 3 rescued cats, 1 rescued dog, 2 horses, and 1 brother.) They also asked me questions about what I am going to do with my platform. My favorite part of Inauguration Day was meeting all the students from the other classes and answering their questions. My day was incredible! 

Meeting with students from across Connecticut in my office at the Old State House

For more about Inauguration Day and to see more photos from the event, please visit the Connecticut's Kid Governor website and read the recap HERE. 

Make sure you email me all the great things you are doing to help the animals! You can email me at CKGJessica@KidGovernor.org. Maybe you will get a shout out in a future blog post.

- Jessica