Pitkin Elementary student Warona Sekgoma was one of seven candidates from around the state to appear on the Connecticut Kid Governor ballot. She ran on the community issue of “Self Confidence,” which she continues to embody even though she did not win the statewide election.
“Love yourself and be yourself,” the 5th grader said.
Warona is a new student who just moved to East Hartford from Botswana in September. She impressed her teachers and fellow students when she decided to run in the Pitkin Kid Governor primary, memorized her campaign speech, and earned the most votes at her school.
“She had the support from the entire 5th grade,” said Pitkin Principal Bea Corrado. “It was so authentic because it wasn’t about it being a popularity contest at all because the kids were just getting to know her. It was about her message.”
Warona said she chose Self Confidence as her platform after thinking about how many students suffer from insecurities. She was also inspired by her family’s constant encouragement to be herself.
“My mom said to just keep my positivity, but sometimes it’s hard, so what I want to do is share it,” said Warona.
Warona worked with several staff members at Pitkin to put together the above campaign video, which was submitted to the state and was the basis of her selection as one of the final candidates.
“I was happy, excited and scared,” she said about learning of her selection.
10,000 students around the state, including many 5th graders at East Hartford’s elementary schools, voted in the election this November. After the votes were tallied, Keudy Martinez from Waterbury was elected with his platform of School Safety.
“Before I really wanted to be Kid Governor, but then I realized it doesn’t really matter. It just matters that all these people are supporting me,” said Warona. “It’s really enough that I have a whole 5th grade community and other people that voted for me.”
Warona and the other final candidates will serve on the CT Kid Governor cabinet for a full year. They will attend monthly meetings and work to make a difference for children around the state. She will take her oath of office in January.