Changing Teen Culture
Juniors seek to make a difference through work on Rep. Kennedy’s Youth Cabinet.
Molly Cahill ‘16 and Ally O'Connell ‘16 are juniors at Montrose School, but they are looking far beyond their school walls. These young women leaders want to spread their ideas about how young people can help one another on a national scale.
Molly and Ally serve as student representatives on Rep. Joe Kennedy's Congressional Youth Cabinet. They meet monthly with Rep. Kennedy and other high school students, seeking to build unity among students from a variety of schools as they discuss important issues that affect young people nationwide. Topics for their committee range from social tolerance to bullying to how to encourage community service.
For Ally and Molly, improving life for young people begins with their own behavior. "Older students are such an important influence on younger ones in a school's culture," said Ally. "We take advantage of that and try to be our best selves, as role models." Molly cites the benefits of the big sister-little sister program at Montrose as a model for other schools, as it breaks down barriers and brings students closer together.
Ally and Molly cite disturbing stories of freshman hazing in the news. "As upperclassmen in our school, we need to have a totally different perspective," said Molly. "By getting to know younger students individually, by just smiling at everyone you see in the hallway, you can change your culture." Ally suggests that young people would also benefit by staying connected with an adult at school, offering the Montrose advising program as an example.
The girls point out that these small changes, by altering the culture of a school, can reduce the teen suicide rate and teen drinking rate, leading to a strongly positive impact on student health and well-being.
Molly and Ally have shared these ideas with Rep. Kennedy's committee. They hope they will spread to other high schools and youth gatherings.
"These girls are so enthusiastic and passionate about their role in working with Congressman Kennedy's office," said Esther Keeley, Dean of Students at Montrose School. "They want to make a difference.”
To learn more about Montrose School’s signature character and leadership programs, attend the Open House on November 6 at 7:00 PM or visit the Montrose website.
An independent school for girls in grades 6-12
Inspired by the teachings of the Catholic Church
Inspired by the teachings of the Catholic Church
