Archive: Around Town

Inspired by the life and message of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the students of New Roots Charter School drafted a welcome letter to the new City of Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick and walked as a group over to City Hall to hand deliver it on Friday.

In preparation for the “March to the Mayor,” a group of four students asked all New Roots students who wished to contribute their ideas, then drafted a letter on behalf of the entire student body.

The students wrote, “As young people, we were excited by your candidacy and moved by your victory.  It reminds us that with planning, hard work and perseverance, unlikely things can and do happen.  We also know that there is much work to be done, and we applaud your efforts, initiative and aspirations.  We recognize the importance of courage as we move into an uncertain and tumultuous future and are inspired by your example.”

The majority of the student body, now approximately 175 students, signed the letter.

The letter was written with the guidance of New Roots Humanities Teacher Diego Sharon, who said, “We hoped to capture the spirit of what our students are seeing and hoping for in a meaningful and resonant way.” Sharon, who organized the event, serves as the school’s Lead Teacher for Intercultural Affairs.


Over 150 students, faculty and staff walked through the snow, filed through the City Hall metal detectors, filled the Common Council Chambers, and greeted the Mayor with applause as he entered the room.  The students who drafted the letter read it to Mayor Myrick, surrounded by their classmates, teachers, and photos of all the past mayors of Ithaca.

Mayor Myrick expressed his appreciation to the students for coming, reminding them that, in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s speech the 'Drum Major Instinct,' 'Everyone can be great, because everybody can serve.'  Relating Dr. King’s statements to the students’ desire to work with the mayor to 'create a fully just and sustainable future for all Ithacans,' Mayor Myrick commended them for 'asking only for the opportunity to serve.'


New Roots Principal Tina Nilsen-Hodges said, “Our city’s choice of Svante Myrick as our mayor sends a powerful message to young people:  their vision, their choices, and their actions are our future.  I am grateful and inspired to see that young people of courage and passion who are willing to work hard are ready to lead the way towards a just and sustainable community for all Ithacans.”

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