East Providence student is selected as 2017 ‘Governor for a Day’

EAST PROVIDENCE — An East Providence youngster has been selected as the 2017 winner of the “Governor for a Day” contest.

Governor Gina M. Raimondo announced late last week the work of Mianna Gonsalves, an 11-year-old student at Emma G. Whiteknact Elementary School, was chosen as tops in her Women’s History Month essay contest.

Gonsalves’ submission was deemed to have best met the criteria about the importance of fostering student leadership at a young age.

"I was so impressed by the enthusiasm, dedication, and maturity of these future leaders," Gov. Raimondo said. "Mianna's essay inspires young girls—and all students—to become leaders in their communities, and I'm excited to spend the day with her."

Gonsalves wrote in her essay that she wanted to be Rhode Island's Governor for a Day because, "Students should not have to wait until middle or high school to lead, they should get to start in elementary school."

She also hopes to promote healthy lifestyles, writing, "My school started an exercise and movement initiative. I would like to expand upon this and make it statewide. How cool would it be if all fifth graders in the state were participating in movement breaks together? Whether it’s yoga or running, I think it would be amazing if the whole state was doing it together!"

Gonsalves will be sworn in as Governor for a Day on Friday, April 28. The Governor's Office received hundreds of submissions from elementary and middle school girls across the state.

"I want to thank all the girls who participated in the contest," Gov. Raimondo added. "Reading their enthusiastic, creative essays assures me that the future is in good hands."