Excitement filled the halls at Parkside today as our fifth-grade students participated in a powerful lesson in democracy during the school-level Kid Governor election.
Seventeen outstanding candidates stepped up to the podium, delivering passionate and well-researched platform speeches before nearly 200 classmates. Their speeches tackled real-world issues such as homelessness, school safety, animal welfare, and environmental pollution, topics that reflect both compassion and civic awareness.
This was more than just a vote; it was an experience in informed citizenship. Every student in attendance used a rubric to evaluate candidates on the strength of their ideas and presentations, encouraging thoughtful listening and responsible decision-making before casting their ballots.
We are proud to announce Jayelani Paz as Parkside’s newly elected Kid Governor Nominee! Jayelani will now advance to the statewide New Hampshire Kid Governor election, an award-winning program that introduces students to state government and civic responsibility through authentic participation.
A heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Gammella, Ms. Hanninen, and the fifth-grade team for organizing this memorable event, and to the School Board members who joined us to witness the next generation of civic leaders in action.
Congratulations to all 17 candidates for their courage, thoughtfulness, and leadership. The future of civic engagement is bright, and it’s happening right here at Parkside!