ANAHOLA — To celebrate students’ civic participation in the 2023 legislative session, state Rep. Nadine K. Nakamura paid a visit to Kanuikapono Public Charter School near the end of May to read a story to fourth-grade students.
The story, “Grace Goes to Washington,” teaches a valuable lesson about leadership: girls can and will succeed in leadership roles.
“I was honored to share this inspiring book with the students, as part of Rutgers University’s Teach a Girl to Lead program,” said Nakamura. “We are striving to increase the visibility of women in leadership roles to the next generation and uplift young girls to pursue public leadership.”
“Grace Goes to Washington” tells a story about a student who takes a field trip to Washington, D.C., with her class. Exploring government buildings and national monuments, Grace feels closer than ever to her dream of becoming president someday.
The book was provided to women lawmakers nationwide — both in Congress and in state legislatures, who were encouraged to host story times for students in their school districts.
Following the presentations, the lawmakers donate their copies of the books to the school libraries. The book is promoted by the Teach a Girl to Lead program, which was created by the Center for American Women and Politics to encourage girls and young women to follow in the footsteps of women leaders past and present.
Along with leading story time, Nakamura presented Kanuikapono students Violet Medeiros and Justine Elizabeth Nelson with the Best Artist and Best Writer awards, respectively. The two pupils and their classmates were also recognized for practicing their civic engagement during the 2023 legislative session.
“Mahalo to Elizabeth Sancho and her fourth graders at Kanuikapono Public Charter School for their involvement in this year’s session,” said Nakamura. “I’m thankful these students provided both written and oral testimony on HCR81 to recognize August 8 as Hawaiian Honeycreeper Celebration Day.”
Nakamura serves as House majority leader, and along with state Rep. Daynette “Dee” Morikawa is one of two Kaua‘i female members on the House leadership team.
Nakamura represents House District 15, which includes Ha‘ena, Wainiha, Hanalei, Princeville, Kilauea, Anahola, Kealia, Kapa‘a, Kawaihau and a portion of Wailua.
