With Gov. Jared Polis nearing the end of his second term and unable to seek a third, he handed over the reins of his office before the November election, but just for a day.
On Monday, Oct. 12, Polis marked the inaugural “Let Students Lead Day” by naming eighth grader Angelique Tolbert “Governor for a Day.” Polis held a swearing-in with the Sky Vista Middle School student from Aurora, then brought her along for his daily duties.
One of two students who will participate in the Governor for a Day program this month, Gov. Tolbert was in and out of the State Capitol building taking care of tasks throughout the day, from leading meetings with agency leadership to celebrating Colorado’s 150th birthday at Denver’s Auraria Campus.
“Being Governor for a Day taught me that good leaders listen, and how much state government can impact Coloradans’ lives,” Tolbert said. “I’m walking away from my day as Governor at the State Capitol with a new perspective on state government and leadership. I got to learn so much today about the different issues Coloradans face and I even got to see the stained glass windows of the Capitol. This experience was unlike any other and I’m so thankful that Governor Polis chose me to join him as Governor for a Day.”
Tolbert signed a proclamation recognizing “Let Students Lead Day,” emphasizing the importance of student leadership and encouraging schools, governments, and other organizations to find ways to give students more leadership opportunities, according to a release from the governor’s office.
She then held a press conference, where she said young people need to be heard every day of the year, not just the day set aside to recognize them, Colorado Public Radio reported..
Tolbert also met with Polis’ full cabinet as well as staff with Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Colorado Department of Early Childhood. She also visited Catrinas en Mi Ciudad, an immersive, outdoor art exhibit inspired by Día de Muertos in Denver, before heading to Auraria to mark Colorado’s birthday.
Tolbert was one of two students selected from a slew of video entries, according to CPR. The second student, Weston Hancock, is an eighth grader at Ridgeline Middle School in Windsor. He will serve his one-day term later this month.
