At Nebraska Kid Governor, leadership starts early and impact starts local. This year, one student is turning compassion for animals into meaningful action across our state.
Victoria Vargas, a student at St. Gerald Catholic School and a member of the Nebraska Kid Governor’s Cabinet, is leading a powerful initiative called “Don’t Feed Wildlife.” Her message is simple, but the impact is big.
Victoria’s three-part plan focuses on awareness, education, and action:
- Placing signs in parks, schools, and public spaces to remind people not to feed wildlife
- Creating videos that explain why feeding animals can actually harm them
- Encouraging schools to teach students how to protect wildlife responsibly
Her passion comes from a genuine love for animals and a deep understanding of the unintended consequences of human behavior. While feeding ducks or birds might feel kind in the moment, it can lead to serious harm. Wildlife can become dependent on humans, lose their natural instincts, get sick from processed food, or become too comfortable around people, putting them at risk.
Victoria’s work is a reminder that protecting wildlife doesn’t always mean doing more. Sometimes it means stepping back and letting nature thrive on its own.
Through the Nebraska Kid Governor program, students like Victoria are not only learning about civic engagement, they are actively shaping their communities. Her leadership shows how small actions, when shared and amplified, can create lasting change.
Victoria has brought her message to life through a new PSA video.
Watch the video and help spread the word:
As we head into summer and spend more time outdoors, here’s one simple way to make a difference: Enjoy Nebraska’s parks and wildlife, but don’t feed ducks or other birds with bread.
Let’s show our love for nature by protecting it. Because when we let wildlife stay wild, we help it thrive.
About Nebraska Kid Governor
The Nebraska Kid Governor program is a statewide civic education initiative that empowers elementary students to learn about state government, leadership, and how to make a difference in their communities. Through a real-world election process, students campaign on issues they care about and, once elected or selected for the Cabinet, turn their ideas into action.
Stay connected and support the next generation of civic leaders by signing up for updates and learning more here: https://civicnebraska.org/youth-civic-leadership/kidgov/