Inauguration Day

Hi! It’s Dom with another blog. This blog is going to be about the inauguration. When we first got to the capitol, I went to the Senate Chambers. Then I went to my office and had a conversation with Secretary of State Dennis Richardson. He told me what was going to happen and gave me some advice. Then my class came, and we took a picture together in my office.  

  

After that, there was a reception in the Secretary of State’s office, and I got to meet all the other candidates. Then we all went into the Senate chamber for the ceremony. 

Before the swearing in, someone from each branch of government told us about what they do. Secretary Richardson represented the executive branch, Peter Courtney represented the legislative branch, and retired Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul De Muniz represented the judicial branch. All the other candidates were introduced and shared about their issue. Chief Justice De Muniz had me put my hand on my Bible and repeat after him. I had most of my family behind me and my teacher. Then I gave an acceptance speech. 

After the ceremony, my class went back to school, and I had a lunch at the capitol with all the other candidates and their families. It was a really busy day of meeting people and answering a lot of questions. My favorite part of the day was getting to see all my classmates in my office. I was also really surprised and happy when my brother, who recently graduated into the Marine Corp., showed up to surprise me.  

A Visit to the State Capitol

Hey, it’s Dom again. I want to tell you about my first visit to the capitol building. First, we met with Mary Beth Herkert when we walked in the door. Then we waited for Deb Royal to come. We took a tour around the capitol building. One of my favorite parts was the history of the Secretary of State people. There were pictures on the wall of all the people who have been Secretary of State. Did you know that Kate Brown was the Secretary of State before she became Governor? 

We also saw the senate chamber where I'll be inaugurated January 8th.

When we walked into the receptionist room for the Secretary of State, it was decked out for Christmas! It looked great! Then we went into the offices. We saw my office and desk—that was my favorite part of everything! I have to share my desk with one of the aides.

Seeing my office for the first time!

After that, we went across the street to the Public Service Building where I had an interview with News-O-Matic—an international kids’ newspaper. My favorite part of the day was receiving a state commemorative coin. On the front it says, “Oregon Secretary of State Dennis Richardson.”

Receiving a commemorative coin from Secretary Richardson.

I’m really excited for my inauguration next Monday, but I’m also a little nervous! I’m glad that my family and classmates can be there to support me. Once that is over, I’ll be working really hard to finish my book. I can’t wait to share it with all of you!

—Dom Peters

Thank You for Electing Me

Dom Peters with Secretary of State Dennis Richardson

Thank so much for electing me to be the Kid Governor of Oregon. I am so excited to be the first Kid Governor. I’d like to congratulate the other candidates who ran against me. You all did an amazing job on your videos and speeches. I hope you can do some of the things you talked about in your platforms.

I’d like to thank Secretary of State Dennis Richardson for this challenging program, and also Mary Beth Herkert and Deb Royal for organizing the voting. I’m really looking forward to the next year and what is going to happen.

         

I’ve already started thinking of ways I can make a difference in my own school. I set up a Super Kind Helpers Club where a group of kids sign up for a day of the week and spend the first 5 minutes of their recess checking in on everyone. We make sure kids are being included, nobody is feeling bullied, and everyone has someone to play with. After that, we can play for the rest of our recess. It seems to be going pretty well so far. What about you? Do have any ideas for the club to help people at recess? 

         

I’m also getting started on writing my book. I hope you will join my Super Kind Writers Club, and write a story to encourage others to stop bullying. Stay tuned to this blog for details on my writing club.

I’d love to hear your ideas for helping others at recess. Please leave a comment below.

—Dom Peters