The City of Torrance planned to host the 15^th annual Students and Government Day on May 4, 2021. Due to the precautions taken regarding COVID-19, an in-person program was canceled.

The City would still like to congratulate the students selected as this year’s Students and Government Day class.

To participate, 8^th grade students from Torrance schools answered the following prompt: “Due to Coronavirus, students have faced challenges in their daily lives. Create a socially distant program for Torrance students to stay connected to their peers, remain physically active, and to support their mental health. How would you implement this program and how would it benefit the community?”

With more than 300 essays submitted, the selection committee narrowed them down to these 21 students from schools across Torrance:

• Marah Britto, St. James Catholic School
• Samantha Catbagan, Jefferson Middle School
• Alexis Choi, Calle Mayor Middle School
• Lyla Diaz, St. Catherine Laboure School
• Cassandra Elizalde, Calle Mayor Middle School
• Quentin Fontanilla, St. Catherine Laboure School
• Mikayla Gaspar, St. James Catholic School
• Dorina Glinn, Casimir Middle School
• Kaila Hahn, First Lutheran School
• Charles Im, Jefferson Middle School
• Sydney Joseph, First Lutheran School
• Gianna Kaats, Riviera Hall Lutheran School
• Chloe Karoum, Richardson Middle School
• Luke Krause, Riviera Hall Lutheran School
• Cayla Lee, Jefferson Middle School
• Joseph Lichtenstein, Jefferson Middle School
• Nadya Lombera, St. Catherine Laboure School
• Kailyn Magpoc, St. Catherine Laboure School
• Daniel Ryu, Jefferson Middle School
• Ava Valdez, St. James Catholic School
• Sophia Yoshimura, Jefferson Middle School

Themes from this year’s essays included ideas for students to lead classes for their peers in subjects like dance, cooking or art; exercise challenges that can be done and shared virtually; and working on projects together via teleconferencing platforms. Other ideas include programs where students can meet online or socially distanced in person to offer peer-to-peer support via sharing stories or in online clubs geared to interests such as art, books, nature and more. Another idea was for a virtual talent show for students. Some ideas included ways to let students connect with each other while helping those less fortunate, including creating care packages for people experiencing homelessness, and writing notes and drawing pictures for people in assisted living facilities.

The City of Torrance is proud to be home to so many creative and thoughtful young community members! We thank all the students who submitted essays, as well as their parents, teachers, principals and school personnel who help make this program possible. And thank you to the selection committee for all their efforts in support of Students and Government Day. With a special thank you to committee member Keith Montoya, in his final year on the Students and Government Day selection committee.