Silver High Students Serve as Honorary Lt. Gov.

Rural students and educators visit New Mexico State Capitol for annual Grant County Day

Jan. 31, 2026 at 9:15pm

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Lt. Gov. Howie Morales welcomed a group of rural students and educators to the New Mexico State Capitol on Wednesday as part of the annual Grant County Day. Among the students were two juniors from Silver High School, Chidinma Nwachuku and Kodah Martinez, who were named honorary lieutenant governors for the day and shadowed Morales throughout the events. The students toured the Roundhouse, sat in on committee meetings, and met with state officials, including Republican District 28 state Sen. Gabriel Ramos. The experience aimed to give the students a new perspective on what rural youth can accomplish.

Why it matters

The annual Grant County Day event provides an opportunity for rural students and educators to engage with state government and learn about the political process. By naming select students as honorary lieutenant governors, the program aims to inspire and empower young people from rural areas to consider future careers in public service.

The details

During the day's events, Nwachuku, an aspiring doctor, used the opportunity to network with health care advocates visiting the Capitol to discuss a passion project she hopes to accomplish before graduating. Morales also met with the students in his office, reflecting on his time as lieutenant governor and expressing his love for Grant County. Morales, who has been coming to the Capitol since being elected county clerk in 2004, said he is open to running for another elected office but plans to focus on his two children for now.

  • The annual Grant County Day was held on Wednesday, February 1, 2026.
  • Morales has been coming to the Capitol since being elected county clerk in 2004.

The players

Howie Morales

The current lieutenant governor of New Mexico who welcomed the rural students and educators to the State Capitol.

Chidinma Nwachuku

A junior at Silver High School who was named an honorary lieutenant governor for the day and used the opportunity to network for a health care-related project she hopes to accomplish before graduating.

Kodah Martinez

A junior at Silver High School who was also named an honorary lieutenant governor for the day and shadowed Morales throughout the events.

William Hawkins

The superintendent of Silver Consolidated Schools, who has been bringing staff- and faculty-nominated students to the Capitol for three years.

Gabriel Ramos

The Republican District 28 state senator who met with the students during their visit to the Capitol.

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What they’re saying

“I hope that when our students see this and get opportunities to advocate, it may spark interest in some of our students — or any one of our students — to recognize that they can go on and have a career, and do the things they want to do for fulfillment.”

— William Hawkins, Superintendent, Silver Consolidated Schools

“My dream during high school is to do a passion project based on rural medicine, and I was connecting with some of the doctors that were here for Public Health Day to see if they were willing to help me in that project and give me guidance.”

— Chidinma Nwachuku, Junior, Silver High School

“I've learned what it's meant to be a New Mexican — how involved our senators are in their communities, and how even the smallest voices get heard.”

— Chidinma Nwachuku, Junior, Silver High School

“I got a little choked up today, because it's my last Grant County Day. I just hope whoever takes my place will be as open to my community.”

— Howie Morales, Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico

“My daughter is going to graduate next year. My son is going to be a freshman next year. They love the Silver Schools. So I don't see me leaving there. I have one shot to be a dad, and I'm going to make the best of it.”

— Howie Morales, Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico

What’s next

Morales said he is open to running for another elected office, but for the time being, he plans to focus on his two children who are attending Silver Schools.

The takeaway

The annual Grant County Day event provides a valuable opportunity for rural students to engage with state government and learn about the political process, potentially inspiring them to consider future careers in public service and advocacy.