On March 21, Ms President US held its 4th annual election, with participants from CT, AZ, and KY vying for the title of their town. Ms President held 8 virtual sessions throughout the 2020-2021 school year, with guest speakers including local, state, and federal representatives; admirable women leaders; and high school mentors, giving their advice and skills.
Senator Will Haskell joined the event and voiced his support for the organization and for the girls’ various campaign platforms. “We need more young people in office, more people of color, and of course we absolutely need more women in office. Your perspective is desperately needed,” he said. He then closed with a statement about the importance of speaking out about what you believe in and representing those around you, even when you are the youngest in the room.
Before the campaign speeches began, Liz Donovan, Director of League of Women Voters of CT, spoke to the audience and expressed “We are so proud to be one of the sponsors of today’s event. Supporting Ms President US is right in our wheelhouse.”
The girls then presented their platforms, ranging from safety from human trafficking to the importance of environmental consciousness. The girls’ slideshows conveyed their campaign platforms while they were able to exhibit their public speaking and presentation skills. At the end of each town’s group of girls, a poll was sent out so the webinar viewers could vote.
Once all the candidates had an opportunity to speak to the audience, the voting polls were closed, and the winners were announced.
Danbury Mayor Joe Cavo congratulated Rosy Siguenza and Stephany Reyes on their winning platform of “Girls Unite!”, Old Saybrook First Selectman Carl Fortuna congratulated Maura and Kyela McGuire on their “Neighborhood Safety” platform, Westport First Selectman Jim Marpee congratulated Eva Lehnerd-Reilly on her “Saving the Planet - One Bite at a Time” platform, Gilbert (AZ) Mayor Birgette Peterson congratulated Brie Chairella on her “Animal Rights” platform, and then Julienne Nunes (Ms President US Wilton 2020) announced the winners of Hamden, Trumbull, Murray (KY), Wilton, and Ridgefield.
Danbury, CT: Rosy Siguenza and Stephany Reyes (Girls Unite!)
Old Saybrook, CT: Maura and Kyela McGuire (Neighborhood Safety)
Westport, CT: Eva Lehnerd-Reilly (Saving the Planet - One Bite at a Time)
Gilbert, AZ: Sabrina Chiarella (Animal Rights)
Hamden, CT: Gopika Sheth (Feminism)
Trumbull, CT: Hannah-Sophia Grant (Diversity)
Marray, KY: Addy Lusk (Autism)
Wilton, CT: Elyse Pencu (Littering)
Ridgefield, CT: Maggie Fleuette (Education)
Ms President US is dedicated to motivating and preparing girls to aim for the highest civil leadership positions. For more information, please contact info@mspresidentus.org.