Oyster River Fifth-Graders Vote in NH Kid Governor Election, Expand Knowledge of Civics and Democracy

DURHAM — Principal Bill Sullivan shares that Oyster River Middle School fifth-grade students participated in the democratic process and cast votes in the annual NH Kid Governor election.

Students walked from the school to Durham Town Hall, where clerks checked them in and handed them a ballot. Students entered voting booths and dropped their completed ballot in the Town’s voting box, which is 107 years old.

Fifth-grade teachers embedded lessons from the NH Kid Governor program into the curriculum, imparting information about the state’s three branches of government, the role of the governor, how to research issues and develop campaign platforms, and how to vote and hold elections.

Fifth-graders from across New Hampshire run for Kid Governor, creating a platform and recording a video. This year’s platforms focused on issues such as increasing classroom funding, childhood hunger, animal abuse, littering, kindness and inclusion, and mental health.

Superintendent Dr. James C. Morse, Sr., and Assistant Superintendent Suzanne Filippone joined students at Durham Town Hall, where they congratulated students for voting and recognized fifth-grader Noah Sanders, who was one of seven candidates statewide. Noah’s platform focused on eliminating homelessness.

“The NH Kid Governor program is not only an opportunity to educate our youngest residents on the democratic process, but it allows us to come together and connect,” Durham Town Clerk Rachel Deane said. “Having the election at the Durham Town Hall adds a special charm to this occasion, and the Durham Town Clerk’s Office felt truly privileged to host ORMS students, teachers, and administrators.”

This year’s program was coordinated by fifth-grade teacher Diana Pelletier.

“Empowering students to engage in the democratic process is crucial to building a vibrant community. Students enthusiastically engaged in the program and learned about the importance of civic engagement,” Pelletier said. “Many of them ran campaigns as candidates for our local primary election and we were thrilled to have a local candidate on the ballot this year.”

Principal Sullivan thanks the NH Kid Governor organization for its guidance and support.

“The fact that our 5th grade students learn about such an important aspect of American democracy is vital to their future,” said Principal Sullivan. “I’m so proud of Noah Sanders for all his hard work and dedication to the cause of eliminating homelessness. He is an excellent representative of ORMS and the Oyster River community as a whole.”