Montpelier, VT – Secretary Copeland Hanzas held a ceremony Monday January 12 in the House Chamber of the State House in Montpelier, celebrating youth leadership in Vermont.
The first part of the ceremony saw the inauguration of Vermont’s first Kid Governor, Roslyn Fortin of Highgate Elementary, and her six-member cabinet of fifth graders from across the state. 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. The cabinet members are:
- Karin Ashley – Barnet School - Barnet
- Phoebe Bingham – Red Fox Community School - Manchester
- Westyn Danforth – Bradford Elementary - Bradford
- Rumano Hassan – Champlain Elementary - Burlington
- Gaelen McNaughton – Weathersfield School - Ascutney
- Lincoln Ratta – Lincoln Community School - Lincoln
The Kid Governor cabinet had the opportunity to meet with adult Governor Scott in his State House office after the ceremony, and then conducted their first cabinet meeting, getting to know each other and discussing ways to work together to support Roslyn’s platform on addressing homelessness. They’ll also advance each of the cabinet members’ platforms, which cover issues from youth mental health and school safety to healthcare access and school nutrition.
“You do not have to be Kid Governor to make a difference,” Fortin remarked in her inaugural address. “Every act of kindness, big or small, helps our state become a better place to live, learn and grow. I know I might be small, but I have a big heart and a can-do attitude. I promise to give this term my very best effort. I am honored to serve as your Kid Governor, and I am excited for the work that we will do together.”
The ceremony also recognized Vermont’s winners and finalists of the 2025 John Lewis Youth Leadership Award. Organized by the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS), the award honors the legacy of Congressman Lewis and is given to individuals under 25 who have demonstrated leadership abilities, have a passion for social justice, and are motivated to improve the quality of life in their community. Vermont’s two award winners – Rafaela Botti of Orwell and Binti Aweis of Winooski – gave remarks about their experience making a difference in their communities. Several finalists for the John Lewis Award were also honored:
- Ellie Cady of Middlebury
- Katherine Culliton of Burlington
- Cashel Higgins of Waterbury
- Henry Menke of Huntington
- Emma Rowell of Hardwick
- Victoria Tornwini of Burlington
- Abeh Woods of Bennington
“Each and every one of the young leaders that we recognized today gives me so much hope,” said Secretary Copeland Hanzas. “They have identified issues that they care passionately about, and have put their time, energy and heart into helping make Vermont a better place. What an honor to get to celebrate these young Vermonters who are not only the leaders of our future but are lighting the path for us right now.”