One Oak Hall student has recently received a first-hand look at voting, elections and public service. That’s because she’s Emma Stephens, the Kid Governor of Oklahoma.

Founded by the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy eight years ago, the program teaches fifth and sixth graders about civic engagement, the process of elections, and the duties of government officials. This year, the OICA partnered with 4-H as a co-sponsor of the program.

It’s the 4-H connection that initially got Stephens involved as she’s participated in 4-H for over a year. She was elected governor last October when she travelled to Oklahoma City for a convention.

“I went to a 4-H convention and the fifth-graders had to make a speech,” Stephens said. “Then we got ballots, and everyone voted on who they wanted for governor.”

Stephens’ speech focused on education.

“I don’t remember everything in the speech, but I know one thing I touched on was textbooks and supplies for the school,” she said.

After the ballots were counted, Stephens said she was surprised to find that she had been elected.

She described some of the things she has done in her position since being sworn in in February.

“I got to go to the Capitol and tour the Senate Chamber,” she said. “I also helped out at the homeless center in OKC.”

Her favorite event so far has been attending the Heroes Ball, the annual awards ceremony and fundraiser for the OICA. There, she delivered the keynote speech.

Stephens’ said she has not been informed about all of the upcoming events in which she will be participating as Kid Governor, but she knows she will be involved in a Veterans Day event. Her term will end in February.

She said she’s enjoyed her time as Kid Governor and would suggest it to other kids. The only drawback she’s experienced has been all the travel required as most of the events take place in Oklahoma City.

Though only in the sixth-grade, Stephens already has plans for her future.

“I want to be a lawyer, but if I can’t do that I’d like to be a homicide detective.”