Liliana Magazine Named Finalist in CT Kid Governor Race
Meadowside 5th grader identifies strengthening literacy as her platform issue
MILFORD – ‘And the crowd went wild’ at Meadowside Elementary School last week when the Connecticut Kid Governor program released the names of the seven finalists on this year’s election slate – and their own Liliana Magazine was one of them (video). Magazine, a 5th grade student at the school, is running on a platform calling for strengthened literacy for all – a subject that was supported by her classmates and teachers, alike. For the past several weeks across the state, students who ‘threw their hats in the ring’ were required to identify a problem, conduct research to pose possible solutions, and prepare a platform addressing those concerns. Candidates prepared display materials and worked with teachers and classmates to record a campaign video supporting their issues. Registered 5th grade voters across the state began making their choices on Monday by watching the candidate videos and selecting the platform they felt was most appropriate. The election will remain open through November 15th.
If elected, Magazine will inherit her own office located in the Old State House in Hartford for her 1-year term, and periodically collaborate with the remaining candidates who will form her cabinet. Together, the team would work on supporting Magazine’s platform, including the creation of a calendar of personal public appearances, speech-writing, and coming up with ideas to move the issue forward.
Magazine was stunned when the announcement was made. “I am really excited that I get to be part of the Kid Governor Cabinet no matter what. Even if I don't win, I am still proud of myself and will work hard."
Liliana’s teacher, Lauren Aliberti, was also overjoyed to hear the news. “I could not be more proud of Liliana as she embarks on this journey to represent Meadowside and our community at large. She is a strong role model with a passion to include other fifth graders across the state as she works to bring about change in the area of literacy for all.”
This award-winning program was created by the Connecticut Democracy Center in 2015 and has conducted annual Kid Governor elections in Connecticut, Oregon, and New Hampshire since then. More than 54,000 5th graders and more than 2,000 teachers across the country have registered to participate since the program’s creation. The program teaches important lessons about state government, voting, elections, and civic participation and intentionally coincides with our national Election Day. To learn more about the Kid Governor program, please visit the website at https://ct.kidgovernor.org/.