REGION – After tallying up more than 1,000 votes from fifth graders across the state, Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas announced the winner of the election for Vermont’s first Kid Governor today.
The winner of the election is Roslyn Fortin, a fifth grade student at Highgate Elementary in Highgate Center. Teacher Courtney Kiser brought the Kid Governor program to Highgate.
Fortin ran on a platform addressing homelessness. To achieve her vision, Fortin outlined a three-point plan of action in which kids across Vermont can participate. It includes: Point 1 – starting clothing and food drives through donation bins at schools; Point 2 – promoting Fun Run for Hope events to walk, jog, or run to raise money for shelters; and Point 3 – organizing community potlucks, and inviting people experiencing homelessness.
As Fortin explained in her campaign video, “This plan isn’t just about giving things; it’s about giving kindness, giving time, and giving hope.”
“I would like to congratulate each of our incredible Kid Governor candidates, who identified very important issues facing Vermont, and developed meaningful platforms to tackle these issues, from ways to care for ourselves, to ways to care for the world around us,” said Secretary Copeland Hanzas. “I was particularly moved by how the candidates’ classmates supported them and cheered them on. And, of course, candidates can only be elected if we all vote, so I thank all the fifth graders across Vermont who participated in this groundbreaking election. I’m so excited to work with Roslyn and her cabinet.”
During Fortin’s one-year term, she will work with the Vermont Secretary of State’s office to advance the three points of her platform. Information and resources about her platform will be available on the Vermont Kid Governor website, www.vt.kidgovernor.org.
“I am so excited to congratulate Roslyn for her election as Vermont’s Kid Governor,” said Missisquoi Valley School District Superintendent Julie Regimbal. “We are incredibly proud of her for running a thoughtful campaign that highlights her deep empathy for those in need and the vital importance of elevating student voice.”
“We are incredibly proud of Roslyn on her selection as Vermont’s Kid Governor,” said Highgate Elementary Principal Justina Jennett. “The Kid Governor program reminds us that when educators are given the opportunity to bring their lessons beyond the classroom and into the heart of their community, everyone benefits. We extend our appreciation to the Office of the Vermont Secretary of State for providing this outstanding opportunity for civic engagement. We are equally inspired by the Vermont teachers who embraced this program and brought it to their students in such meaningful and impactful ways. Our fifth graders across Vermont are shining a light on the issues we know we must confront together, and we can’t wait to see what their leadership brings. Highgate is here to support Roslyn every step of the way.”
The six other finalists in the statewide election are Karin Ashley, Barnet School; Phoebe Bingham, Red Fox Community School; Westyn Danforth, Bradford Elementary; Rumano Hassan, Champlain Elementary; Gaelen McNaughton, Weathersfield School; and Lincoln Ratta, Lincoln Community School.
They will serve as the Kid Governor’s cabinet, helping Fortin implement her three-point platform, and supporting each other to advance their own platforms.
Fortin and her cabinet members will take their oaths of office in January, at the State House in Montpelier.