Raimondo Announces Women's History Month Essay Contest Winner
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Governor Gina M. Raimondo today announced the winner of the Governor for a Day Essay Contest, a Women's History Month initiative. Rhode Island's 2016 Governor for a Day is Sophia Miranda, an 11-year-old student at Lincoln Central Elementary School who wrote about making Rhode Island a place of opportunity for everyone.
"I was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and compassion of these future leaders, and it was great to read about their big ideas," Raimondo said. "Sophia's essay encourages girls to be compassionate, hardworking leaders, and I look forward to spending the day with her."
Sophia wrote in her essay that she wanted to be Rhode Island's Governor for a Day because, "One person cannot help everyone at once; but, one person, who cares a lot, can be a leader and work with a lot of people to get things done."
She also hoped to discuss how government can help people of different cultures, writing, "My grandmother doesn't speak or write in English that well and she is older. It has been very hard for her to find a job. This meeting will be to talk about teaching English and helping people of different cultures find better jobs."
Sophia will be sworn-in as Governor for a Day on Friday, April 22, 2016. The Governor's Office received over 400 submissions from middle school girls across the state.
"I also want to thank the other students who all wrote truly fantastic essays," Raimondo added. "They were enthusiastic and articulate, and it was great to hear their ideas."