From the CTKG Cabinet: Meet Ariana!

Hello, my name is Ariana Moreno and I was a final candidate in the 2019 Statewide Election for Connecticut's Kid Governor. I'm now in the Kid Governor's Cabinet working with CTKG Myra!

I ran on the platform of Suicide Prevention and Mental Health. I chose this issue because it is a topic that many people don't like to talk about. That's why I would like to change that perspective and break the stigma. I want kids to know that how they feel isn't bad and there is hope for them. It's not as easy as it seems so I want to spread awareness. To do this, I will share my three point plan:

• Bring more support groups to schools
• Making lime green loom bracelets to sell and raise money (green is the color for mental health)
• Have a charity walk on September 10th (Suicide Prevention Day) and October 10th (World Mental Health Day)

Since the Statewide Election, I have raised money in my school for mental health and I am currently working on making loom bracelets. I will continue to work on my platform by selling bracelets, planning the charity walks on September 10th and October 10th, and working on making more support groups in Connecticut schools.  

If you would like to support my platform you can make bracelets, suggest to your principal to make a support group in your school, and finally participate in the charity walks. 

I would love to hear about how you are making a difference around suicide and mental health in your own community. Email info@KidGovernor.org to tell me about it! You can visit CT.KidGovernor.org/Cabinet2020 to read about the other Kid Governor's Cabinet members.

- Ariana Moreno
Casimir Pulaski Elementary School
Meriden, CT

CAS, Cabinet Meetings, and CT Humane Society

The past few weeks have gone by very quickly, and I think you may like to know what I’ve been doing lately.

In February, I went to the Aqua Turf for two special Elementary Arts Banquets for amazing artists from all around Connecticut. It was presented by the Connecticut Association of Schools. I spoke in front of hundreds of people and told them about my platform. I was able to introduce my poster contest idea to many people who were interested in art, and we got many students to sign up. There were all kinds of different people there, teachers, principals, parents, and students! I had so much fun talking to all of the kids there, and they were all super nice!

I also worked on part of the first step in my platform, informing Connecticut about animal abuse and helping animals in need!! I interviewed Ashley Marshall from the Connecticut Humane Society (who is very nice, by the way ) and she told me all about how the Humane Society works, and all of the “behind the scenes” things they have to do everyday! Anyways, that video will be out very soon for you and your friends to watch!

Me and Ashley Marshall in my office at Connecticut's Old State House.

As part of my video recording, we stopped by the Humane Society, gave donations that students at my school collected, and visited animals! This worked out quite well for me, because while visiting with the dogs and cats I saw a puppy named Mateo who I immediately fell in love with. After much persuasion, my mom agreed to adopt him! He is doing well with our family, and I am glad to have given him a forever home. I hope you can give an animal in a shelter THEIR forever home! 

Getting ready to bring Mateo home!

I also had my first Cabinet meeting in February! We played an icebreaker to get to know each other, and did a scavenger hunt around the Old State House! We got to take selfies whenever we found a clue, and it was super fun! We also had a meeting to talk about our individual platforms and how we can support each other. I really like working with the members of my Cabinet - we are going to accomplish a lot this year! 

Me with members of my Cabinet!
LtoR: Kylie, Daisy, Myra, Derek, Ariana

As you can see, I have been busy over the last few months as your Kid Governor! I would love to hear from you about how you are Standing Up for Animals in Need in your school or community. Email me at Myra@CT.KidGovernor.org to tell me and share your ideas!

Your Kid Governor,

Myra