Governor Gianforte Visits Bonner Elementary School

Proclaims March 3 as Third Grader Day in Montana

Governor's Office

BONNER, Mont. - Governor Greg Gianforte today visited Bonner Elementary School to recognize a student-led effort to establish March 3 as Third Grader Day in Montana.

"When Blakely read about another student speaking up and getting involved in another state, she decided to do the same here in Montana," Gov. Gianforte said. "That kind of initiative and leadership is exactly what civic engagement looks like. I was proud to recognize her effort and the example she's setting for students across our state."

Gov. Gianforte (right) proclaiming March 3 as Third Graders Day with third grade student Blakely Wagner (middle) at Bonner School

After reading in the Scholastic newspaper about a student in another state who asked their governor to proclaim March 3 as Third Grader Day, Bonner Elementary student Blakely Wagner was inspired to take similar action in Montana. Blakely reached out to both Gov. Gianforte and Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras with her request.

During a visit to Blakely's class, the governor recognized her outreach, read and signed the proclamation, and spoke with students about the importance of civic engagement and participating in their communities.

"Thank you so much, this is so exciting," Blakely Wagner said to the governor. "It feels nice and I feel like all third graders would love it."

View Gov. Gianforte's proclamation here.

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