Amity Students Raising The Bar

As we round the corner into spring, the focus on academics and education rises to the top of topics for many in our community. A lot of students are eager to complete another year of school, some with college or a new school building on the horizon. Other residents are reviewing proposed budgets for the Amity School District and/or Beecher Elementary School. Yet others are focused on curriculum and how best to help our students achieve success. It is this latter point I would like to address, and applaud some of our high school students for their recent advocacy.

Earlier this year Daniel Mowerman and Michael Audie, both students at Amity High school, worked with state legislators on House Bill 5475, which seeks to ban social media platforms from using addictive algorithms for users age 16 and under. Mr. Mowerman and Mr. Audie spoke about their idea and the bill on WTNH News Channel 8 which was aired online January 12, 2025. Whether you agree or disagree with the idea, it was quite an undertaking to carry forward the idea to the point where it has been formalized as a Bill. Mr. Audie and Mr. Mowerman deserve applause for their commitment to pursue their goal through civic engagement. 

More recently, another Amity High School student took to the pen as a form of advocacy. In a letter dated February 25, 2025, Liam Roselle shared his viewpoints on diversity, equity and inclusion. Mr. Roselle’s letter begins by addressing the need for local groups to focus on local issues. I could not agree more. Mr. Roselle’s letter continues with statements such as: “investing in tailored educational programs”, and “engaging in constructive dialogue”. While there are divergent feelings and beliefs about what has become known as DEI, it is heartening to read thoughtful comments from a high school student that acknowledges the goals of finding a place of commonality, and finding ways for varying viewpoints to be heard. Kudos to Mr. Roselle for his constructive letter.

Taking the efforts of these young people together, it gives me hope that – at the local level – we can pursue goals and address differences of opinion while avoiding the toxicity that is demonstrated in headlines every day. These students are not pointing fingers, name calling, or protesting – they are using time-honored, effective tools for communicating and achieving consensus in a democratic society. 

Being able to take an idea (or principle) and communicate it persuasively is an art form and a skill that should not be overlooked. It is impressive that Amity High School students are demonstrating such ability. While there is much to be thought about and considered when charting a path for continued educational excellence at Amity, we should emulate these young men while discussing Amity’s future. Well done, Mr. Roselle, Mr. Mowerman, and Mr. Audie, and thank you for leading by example.