Montpelier, VT – After tallying up over 1000 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.
Roslyn ran on a platform addressing homelessness. To achieve her vision, Roslyn outlined a three-point plan of action that kids across Vermont can participate in. 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.
- Point 3: Organizing community potlucks, inviting people experiencing homelessness.
As Roslyn 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 Roslyn’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.
"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 5th 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
- Lincoln Ratta – Lincoln Community School
They will serve as the Kid Governor’s Cabinet, helping Roslyn implement her three-point platform and supporting each other to advance their own platforms.
Roslyn and her Cabinet members will take their oaths of office in January at the State House in Montpelier.
A Press Kit can be found here, with Roslyn’s campaign video and candidate photo, videos/photos from Secretary Copeland Hanzas’ visit to Highgate Elementary at the start of Roslyn’s campaign, and profile photos for the cabinet members.
We ask that media do not contact Roslyn’s family directly; please direct all interview requests and/or inquiries regarding Roslyn to:
Wes Dunn, Communications and Outreach Coordinator
VT Secretary of State’s Office
wesley.dunn@vermont.gov | 802-261-7906
We will coordinate with her family and the Missisquoi Valley School District.
Kid Governor® is a free program that empowers fifth graders to change the world by using an authentic election to teach important lessons about state government, voting, and the power of civic participation. Participants develop skills in critical thinking, research, public speaking, and persuasion. The program, founded by the Connecticut Democracy Center in 2015, has spread nationwide and garnered broad support from educators and elected officials. Vermont joins Nebraska, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Oklahoma this year in bringing this unique civic learning experience to fifth graders from across the state.