Sen. Cicarella Honors North Haven’s Tessa Hallinan at 2026 Kid Governor Inauguration

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2026 Connecticut Kid Governor Tessa Hallinan, her Cabinet, Rep. Yaccarino, 2025 Kid Governor Keudy Martinez, Sen. Cicarella, Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, Chief Academic Officer Irene Parisi, and Supreme Court Justice Steven Ecker gather at the Kid Governor Inauguration held at Connecticut’s Old State House.

HARTFORD — State Sen. Paul Cicarella (R-34) today attended the inauguration ceremony for Connecticut’s 2026 Kid Governor, Theresa “Tessa” Hallinan of North Haven, joining educators, students, and community leaders in celebrating youth civic engagement and leadership.

Tessa Hallinan, a student at Green Acres Elementary School, was elected by fifth graders across Connecticut to serve as the state’s 2026 Kid Governor. Her campaign platform, “Everyone Belongs,” focuses on fostering inclusion and understanding for students with disabilities.

“Tessa’s message is a powerful reminder that leadership can come from any age. Seeing students take ownership of these ideas gives me great confidence in the future of Connecticut,” said Sen. Cicarella. “I want to thank everyone who worked so hard to make this inauguration such a meaningful and memorable event especially the Connecticut Democracy Center, the team at Connecticut’s Old State House, and the dedicated teachers and staff who support these students every day. As a parent whose own son has participated in this program, I’ve seen firsthand how impactful Kid Governor is in inspiring confidence, civic engagement, and leadership in young people. Today’s ceremony was a wonderful reflection of that impact.”

Kid Governor Hallinan will also collaborate closely with her Cabinet Members, meet with constituents, speak publicly on issues important to students, and participate in Connecticut Democracy Center programs throughout the year.

The 2026 Kid Governor Cabinet includes:

• Aja Reci, Charles Wright Elementary School
• Alyvia Stoddard, Glastonbury–East Hartford Magnet School
• Dylan Ellis, CREC Academy of International Studies Elementary School
• Myra Ruparel, Center Elementary School
• Nana Appau, Odyssey Community School
• Samuel James, Renzulli Academy

Sen. Cicarella noted the strong participation of students both in person and online during the ceremony, highlighting the lasting impact of the Kid Governor program.

“Programs like Kid Governor don’t just teach civics, they inspire it,” Sen. Cicarella added. “Congratulations to Kid Governor Tessa Hallinan, her Cabinet, and everyone who worked to make today’s inauguration such a success.”