April 10, 2026 |Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Education, Government, News, State of MA

Massachusetts State House Welcomes More Than 200 Students for 79th Annual Student Government Day

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From the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education: Governor Maura Healey, Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Commissioner Pedro Martinez joined more than 200 high school juniors and seniors from across Massachusetts at the State House today for the 79^th annual Student Government Day.

Organized by DESE in partnership with all three branches of government, Student Government Day gives students the opportunity to step into the roles of elected officials, debate policy and engage directly in the legislative process.

“Massachusetts has always led because of the strength, talent and leadership of our people, and that starts with opportunities like Student Government Day,” said Governor Maura Healey. “For generations, leaders have stood in the Massachusetts House Chamber to debate issues that shape our state. Today, we’re building on that legacy by investing in education and expanding pathways so more students can step into those roles. Because at a time when we need more people engaged in public service and working to solve big problems, we are counting on the next generation to step up and lead.”

“There are a lot of ways to get involved in public service and impact communities,” said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. “I hope that today’s activities provided students with insight into the legislative process and that many of them consider entering public service.”

Participants spent the morning learning from government officials and participating in a simulated joint committee hearing, where they discussed the proposed “Act relative to issuing guidance regarding setting policies for the use of AI in schools.” 

Following the morning program, one group of students remained in the House and Senate Chambers to hear from members of the executive branch and then engaged in a simulated debate in which they acted as legislators. Another group of students spent the afternoon at the John Adams Courthouse, where they joined the Supreme Judicial Court law clerks and interns for lunch, toured the Courthouse and learned about the state judiciary and appellate processes from justices and clerks.

“Today was an amazing opportunity for students to not only learn the process of state government, but to embrace their own leadership skills and become more engaged in their community,” said Education Secretary Dr. Stephen Zrike. “It is important that juniors and seniors know that their voice matters and can impact positive change on important issues.”

“We are charged with organizing Student Government Day—with lots of help from the Legislature—each year as a real-world, interactive learning opportunity to provide students the opportunity to engage in the political process and have informed conversations about real issues. I am confident that today’s experience will encourage students to create positive change through civic action.”

Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez

There were six winners of this year’s speech writing competition, which was facilitated to give student designees an opportunity to share and showcase their voices, passion, and civic knowledge, skills, and dispositions. The governor and lieutenant governor read their speeches during a joint convening of the Senate and House, and all six speeches will be included on the Student Government Day website.

The six speech writing winners for 2026 who served as constitutional officers today were:

• Governor: Frederic Menjivar of TechBoston Academy in Boston
• Lieutenant Governor: Sarah Farley of Mansfield High School in Mansfield
• Attorney General: Anna Tunstall of Smith Academy in Hatfield
• Treasurer: Lalenthika Venkatesh of North Attleborough High School in North Attleborough
• Auditor: Ethan Albernaz of Joseph Case High School in Swansea
• Secretary: Lily Mancaniello of Lynn English High School in Lynn

“Student Government Day offers an opportunity for high school students to learn how their local government works,” said Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Kimberly S. Budd. “It is energizing to see so many students engage in local government. From debating legislation at the State House to learning about how the court system works at the Supreme Judicial Court, the judicial branch is glad to be part of an event that inspires the Commonwealth’s next generation of leaders.”

“Our work to make Massachusetts a better place to live, work, learn, and do business is rooted in collaboration, which comes to life when you experience it first-hand in the Senate Chamber,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “There’s no better place to see that in action than right here in the State House. I hope every student who joins us today leaves feeling inspired to stay engaged—whether as an informed citizen, an advocate, a member of public service, or even a future elected official.”

Student Government Day was signed into law in 1947. The program provides an opportunity for educators and students from Massachusetts’s public and private high schools to learn firsthand about state government, voice positions on current issues, participate in the legislative process, exchange views with their peers, and learn firsthand from government officials