First Borough Council Meeting

Marley attended her first borough council meeting this week. This might seem like a strange activity for an eight year old to participate in but I assure you she had good reason for being there. A decision by our borough manager had upset more than a few people in our little town, including both of my daughters. Our favorite school crossing guard was ordered to stop wearing his silly hats while on duty; something he has been doing for 15 years! The girls and their classmates have long enjoyed being greeted by this awesome crossing guard.

With some encouragement from our family friend and political advisor, Deb, Marley began circulating a petition asking for the crossing guard to be able to wear his hats again. Deb was able to persuade a few other school students to do the same. Marley and the other students went to the borough council meeting under Deb's supervision and presented their petitions.

Turns out a nice crowd of people had come out to support the crossing guard and the borough managers decision was easily over-turned by the council members. But not before Marley had a chance to stand up and present her petition. Her first political stand!

She came home very excited and feeling like she had made a difference in her community. She was also excited because she had been photographed several times by local media.

We anxiously waited for the papers to come out the next day. The Gettysburg Times morning paper had a big story on the front page, but no picture. The Evening Sun also had a front page story

http://www.eveningsun.com/ci_11776599?IADID=Search-www.eveningsun.com-www.eveningsun.com


with this photo:



Marley is sitting between Paris (the girl with the blue headband) and Deb (lady beside guy in mushroom hat). You can almost see the back of Marley's hair and her hand holding the agenda. What a horrible disappointment for Marley. This same picture was on WGAL channel 8 evening news.


The nerve of these people to block her from being viewed by the masses!
While she was disappointed to not be "famous" from her little adventure, I do think she gained a great deal from her experience. She is such a motivated little thinker. I am proud of her for having the courage to take a stand. I am not sure I would have been able to do that at eight years old. But I assure you, this kid has confidence.


Stay tuned for more news from Marley. She is currently on the first place team for the third grade Math Masters contest. If her team of four students wins this contest they will go on to compete against other schools in our area. We should find out tomorrow if she won.

YOU GO GIRL!