Civic Engagement in Action: Jade Adams sworn in as New Hampshire's Kid Governor

On January 28, students from across New Hampshire gathered at the State House to witness a milestone in the state’s civic education—the inauguration of the eighth New Hampshire Kid Governor (NHKG), Jade Adams, a fifth grader from Wells Memorial School in Harrisville.

"Since I’ve only been in this role for two weeks, we can learn together," said Governor Kelly Ayotte. In her opening remarks, Ayotte emphasized the importance of collaboration. "If you can work together, you can make it happen."

Neil Levesque, Executive Director of the New Hampshire Institute of Politics (NHIOP), also spoke, highlighting the significance of civic engagement in the Granite State. He reiterated the governor’s message, stressing the importance of working together, even when you don’t always agree.

N.H. Supreme Court Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald swore in Adams and the six students elected to the Kid Executive Council: Evelyn Palizzolo of Hopkinton, Glen Lucas of Lancaster, Grace Consalves of Nashua, Jack Tata of Salem, Vivian Klein of Jackson, and Ainsley Gordon of Rochester.

Hannah Pavletich ’27, a Kevin B. Harrington Student Ambassador, noted that the inauguration ceremony showed what young people are capable of when they put their minds to something. She added, “The event also highlighted how willing politicians are to work with young students to make New Hampshire a better place.” Pavletich, a politics major, has interned with the NHKG program for the past year, assisting with behind-the-scenes details.

New Hampshire’s Kid Governor is an award-winning civic program sponsored by New Hampshire Civics and the NHIOP. Timed to coincide with Election Day in November, the program offers schools the opportunity to participate in a real-world civics lesson that follows the nomination, campaign and election of a fifth-grade governor each fall. The NHIOP hosts events throughout the year to promote and support this civic engagement initiative.