Reading My Book at the Oregon State Fair!

I’m really excited to read my book, “Pippin and the Super Kind Friends Club,” at the Oregon State Fair this year. When I first ran to be Oregon’s Kid Governor, I never imagined everything I would do this year. I’m really looking forward to sharing my book on preventing bullying with everyone. 

I will be reading my book on Saturday, September 1st at 12:00 and 12:30pm on the Explore Oregon stage in Columbia Hall. I will also be answering questions about what it’s like to run for Oregon’s Kid Governor. I hope everyone will have a good time and also become more aware of how they can make a difference in their schools and their communities. 

If you would like to hear my book on preventing bullying, learn more about the Oregon’s Kid Governor program, or meet me in person, I hope I’ll see you at the Oregon State Fair!

—Dom Peters

Volcanoes Baseball Game and Other News

Hi! Kid Governor here. I got to go to one of the volcanoes game this summer. When I got there, we waited for Secretary of State Dennis Richardson, Mary Beth Herkert, and my teacher Mrs. Moore. Secretary Richardson and I got to throw the first pitch. Throwing the first pitch was a new thing for me because I haven’t gotten to do something like that. I felt very nervous yet excited at the same time. There was fewer people there than I expected when I threw the first pitch. I got to keep the ball that I threw, and after the game, I got Joey Bart to sign the ball! I felt pretty good because I also got to talk with Joey Bart, and my cousin got to talk to him with me. We were very excited for the opportunity to talk with one of the volcanoes players. 

Another surprise had awaited me that my family and I had no clue about. During the 4th inning, I got to announce in the press box with my cousin. At first I had freaked out a little because I was unaware that I would be announcing the 4th inning. My cousin was even invited with me to go and help announce. Having him there made me feel more relaxed because I have known him for a long time. The opportunity was amazing and felt pretty good, but there was one thing that I struggled with—announcing the players' names. It was difficult at times, but when I couldn’t pronounce the names correctly, I got to practice saying them before having to announce them. The guy that helped us was really nice and welcoming. 

Overall, getting the opportunity to throw the first pitch with the Secretary of State and announcing the fourth inning with my cousin was incredible. It was an amazing experience and one I will never forget.

—Dom Peters

P.S. I will be reading my new book on kindness called, "Pippin and the Super Kind Friends Club," at the Salem Public Library on Wednesday, August 1 (tomorrow) at 12:50pm. I would love to see you there! 

An Upcoming Video

I know it's been a long time, so here's another blog from the Kid Governor office. I've been busy making a video that is a tour of the Capitol and Supreme Court. It took quite a lot of time, and I had to go the Capitol several times to get all the filming done.

One highlight for me was meeting the actual governor, Kate Brown. She talked about how important it is to get a good education and health care.

I met the treasurer, Tobias Read. He was very friendly. He keeps track of the money in our state and makes sure there is money for things like roads.

I also made a short video with Secretary of State Dennis Richardson encouraging people to vote in the election.

Here it is for you to see!

I'm really glad I got to make those videos. I hope my Capitol tour is helpful for kids who want to learn about our state government.

The Capitol tour video will be coming out soon.

~Dom

Can you be so "cool" you’re not cool?

Today, I want to talk about one way I think we could all be kinder. I have noticed that kids try really hard to impress each other. They wear cool clothes, they try to be funny, or they brag about their sports team. We all do this from time to time.

The problem starts when we start putting other people down because they are not as cool as us. Sometimes we group together with people like us, and we leave others out. We even embarrass others sometimes and point out that they aren’t cool.

Instead, we need to have groups of friends that are kind and welcoming to everybody. We shouldn’t worry about being cool, and we don’t need to judge whether or not other people are cool. Look for people who are left out and help them feel included.

Don’t be so "cool" that you aren’t cool anymore! Instead, be super kind and make other people feel like they are needed and important. 

—Dom Peters

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