MONROE, CT — Board of Education members received a gubernatorial visit from Connecticut’s Kid Governor, Elisavet “Ellie” Mendez, at their meeting Monday night.
Ellie, 10, a Monroe Elementary School fifth grader, won a race among seven candidates, as over 9,400 fifth graders across the state voted in the annual election.
“We’re really excited to recognize Ellie Mendez tonight,” said Superintendent of Schools Joseph Kobza. “I want to congratulate Ellie as she looks to address the issues of anxiety and depression. She has made us proud so far, and I know she’s going to continue to make us proud.”
Ellie walked to the front of the room inside the Masuk High School media center to receive a certificate from Kobza and Board of Education Chairman David Ferris. She also posed for a picture with them.
The Connecticut Democracy Center, the nonprofit that runs the Kid Governor program, has held elections since 2015, and Ellie is the first student from Monroe to win the coveted position.
Each candidate’s platform must be something tangible with an explanation of how it will be implemented.
In her campaign video, Ellie presented a three-point plan with strategies for children to cope with depression and feelings of anxiety; ways to communicate with an adult; and an online resource full of uplifting quotes and other ways to inspire kids.
She will serve a one-year-term and try to make her plan a reality with help from the other six candidates, who now make up her cabinet.
