For one day, an 8-year-old girl from Prince George's County took Martin O'Malley's spot as governor of Maryland.
Genea Harrison is a rising fourth grade student at Rosa L. Parks Elementary School, and submitted an essay explaining why she wanted to be the governor and what she would do in her new position. She was picked out of more than 200 other girls under the age of 13, in an effort to encourage young women to pursue careers in public service.
Tuesday, Genea met with Taiwan Ambassador Pu-Tsung King, a women's caucus meeting and a meeting with Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown.
She also helped swear in Jim Smith as the state's transportation secretary and Abigail Hopper as the Director of the Maryland Energy Administration.
“I am proud that Governor O'Malley picked me as Maryland's first-ever ‘Governor for a Day’ because I believe girls can take charge too and because I was governor today, it means that other girls like me can become whatever they want,” Genea said. “Everyone can make a difference and we can all help people and make Maryland a better place to live.”
