Lawmakers Honors Kid Governor Cabinet Member Dahna Lara On Earth Day

EAST HAVEN, CT — East Haven Kid Governor Cabinet Member Dahna Lara was honored recently for her role in combatting local littering. A fifth grader at Grove J. Tuttle School, she joined members of Clean UP East Haven to host a trash pickup at the Vernon Hays School in honor of Earth Day.

State Rep. Joe Zullo joined House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora and state Sen. Paul Cicarella in praising the elementary school girl who, running for a Cabinet seat, raised awareness about the issue of littering in her community. With her environmental concerns in her campaign platform, and how it’s everyone's responsibility as "neighbors to keep our streets clean," she was elected to be a member of the 2024 Kid Governor’s Cabinet.

“Connecticut residents need to address statewide littering immediately,” Lara shared in a campaign video. “With 40 percent of our oceans polluted by litter, especially plastic, it is our responsibility to incorporate smarter disposal habits to protect our little friends, like turtles, whales, and other sea creatures.”

Zullo said that when he and his colleagues were made aware of Lara’s campaign, he was "proud to help organize a clean-up event honoring her leadership."

“Dahna is a wonderful young ambassador for our community,” Zullo said. “Her desire to keep our community clean has already inspired her peers, teachers, and neighbors to match her passion, and I am proud to roll up my sleeves on a rainy day to make that happen.”

George Smith, organizer of Clean UP East Haven, said he was "excited to meet and recognize" Lara at his spring trash pickup, officially inaugurating her as the group’s newest member.

“I am happy to welcome you as our newest volunteer," Smith said. “The future of our environment is dependent on bright young residents, like Dahna, who set the example for kids and adults, alike. I want to thank Dahna, her family, and all those who came out to support us today.”

Dahna was awarded an official citation signed by members of the Connecticut General Assembly, supported by the East Haven delegation that includes Candelora, Cicarella, state Sen. Christine Cohen, and Zullo.

"All members of the delegation share their gratitude to the hardworking teachers and staff of the Grove J. Tuttle School as well as the staff at the Connecticut Kid Governor program," a news release reads.