WATERBURY - The city remains abuzz following Wednesday's announcement that one of its native sons has been elected to serve as Connecticut's next Kid Governor.
One fifth-grader each year is chosen to help keep things running up in Hartford from a kid's point of view.
Chase Elementary School student Keudy Martinez, 11, is Waterbury's first CT Kid Governor. He was the top vote-getter among some 10,400 students from across the state. He ran on a platform to make sure kids feel safe at school so they can focus on learning.
Keudy learned of his selection during a school assembly and celebration, where Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski Jr. congratulated him and said it was a proud day for the city.
"Maybe one day you can run for grown-up governor," Pernerewski told him, drawing a roar from his fellow students who packed the gymnasium and chanted "Kay-oo-dee, Kay-oo-dee."
Even the acclaimed Kennedy High School marching band performed.
Keudy was announced as the winner by Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, who made the proclamation via a previously recorded "breaking news" segment anchored by Amber Diaz of NBC-CT News.
Keudy, appropriately clad in suit and tie, said he loves playing football and hanging out with friends, and can't wait to get started.
A student in Shipe Mamudi's class, Keudy said too many kids feel scared at school due to bullying and violence, and it needs to stop. He has devised a three-point plan that establishes schoolwide buddy systems to make sure no one feels alone, encourages students to start mental health clubs and promotes the idea of supporting one another.
As a candidate, Keudy explained his platform in a 2-minute video that already has garnered hundreds of views online. The video features a special guest appearance by Waterbury police officer and Police Activities League coordinator Querino Maia, who also attended the celebration.
Waterbury Interim Superintendent Darren Schwartz presented Keudy with a new laptop, letterhead that says from the desk of "Keudy Martinez, Kid Governor," and a variety of his favorite snacks. Schwartz also invited Keudy to the school district's central office to discuss how Waterbury can be the first place in the state to implement his plan. The meeting, Schwartz promised, will include lunch of Keudy's choosing.
Pernerewski saluted the boy's passion for making a difference in people's lives and being an inspiring role model.
A joyful audience cheered as Keudy spoke from the podium using a stool to reach the microphone.
The city resident will be sworn in to office in January during an inauguration ceremony in Hartford. He will be joined by his six-member cabinet comprised of the six other Kid Governor finalists from various schools across the state. They all will serve one-year terms and meet regularly to discuss issues that affect Connecticut kids.
Connecticut's Kid Governor is a national award-winning civics program created by the Connecticut Democracy Center and designed to teach fifth-grade students about state government, elections and voting, and civic participation through a real-life election. The program has an office in the Old State House and was created to give kids more of a voice on statewide issues.