EAST PROVIDENCE — The current and possibly future chief executive of the state were paired once again last week in city when Governor Gina Raimondo was joined by a group of dignitaries, among them student Mianna Gonsalves, at the Emma G. Whiteknact Elementary School for what was the First Annual Leaders' Luncheon there.

The event took place on Monday, May 8, and was planned and hosted by Amy Resnick's fifth grade class, including Gonsalves, who was recently named as the 2017 winner of the “Governor for a Day” contest. The 11-year-old’s submission to the governor’s Women’s History Month essay competition, which centered on the importance of fostering student leadership at a young age, was judged best and earned her the honorary accolade.

Gonsalves was formally recognized at a swearing in ceremony at the State House on April 28. She helped plan last week’s event with Ms. Resnick, with the idea of extending a similar leadership opportunity to their whole class. Invitations were sent out to local leaders to attend the luncheon and engage in conversations revolving around leadership. East Providence Schools Superintendent Kathryn Crowley delivered a welcome address. Governor Raimondo and State Education Commissioner Ken Wagner shared some words about the importance of empowering leaders at a young age.

Said Ms. Resnick about the gathering, “It was truly an inspirational day for all. Students were motivated by the leaders' words and began to see leadership as something that is attainable for each and every one them.”