BRI Scholarship Recipient Shares Hope For Future Students

By Andy Miller

This year, the Bill of Rights Institute hosted a memorable 2024 Tea Party in Boston, and I can't help but reflect on how incredibly meaningful it was, both historically and personally.

In a year marked by another intense election cycle, the peaceful transfer of power is taking place across the country—again. From 14,768 cities to 3,144 counties, 50 states, and Washington D.C., newly elected officials are stepping up to fulfill the hopes and expectations of millions of voters. In a nation that is more diverse than ever—representing a beautiful mosaic of ethnicities, religions, races, genders, and generations—this moment of peaceful transition feels almost surreal. It’s awe-inspiring to witness, especially after a Thanksgiving that coincided with such a complex mix of feelings about our future.

For me, being in Boston for the 104th annual National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) conference brought a new level of reflection. Boston is a city steeped in history, not just with the famous Tea Party, but also being so close to Plymouth, where our first Thanksgiving took place. It was the perfect backdrop to reflect on why I am so hopeful about America's future as we approach our third century.

Back in August, I had no idea that applying to be part of the Bill of Rights Institute’s first cohort of Gary Colletti Scholarship recipients would coincide with one of the most eventful autumns of my career. I teach in a district in North Carolina that includes Swannanoa, a town devastated by Hurricane Helene. The storm kept us out of school for the entire month of October, but it taught my students powerful lessons I couldn’t have in the classroom: resilience, the strength of community, the role of service, and the importance of federalism. In the aftermath, I was deeply grateful for the opportunity to attend the NCSS conference to reaffirm my commitment to our profession.

I owe a big "Thank you" to the incredible people at the Bill of Rights Institute. Your resources have been invaluable to me throughout my career. I especially loved the deep dive into the Boston Tea Party at the BRI breakfast. Unpacking that historic event 250 years later was a truly unforgettable experience!

After 25 years of teaching civics and history, one thing I know for sure is our students are our most precious natural resource. This sentiment was echoed by everyone I spoke with, including the inspiring presenters at the conference. A key theme running through many of the sessions was how to encourage informed civic engagement in our classrooms.

One session by Erica Hodgin from "Facing History & Ourselves" focused on fostering empathy to help students navigate difficult discussions. Another standout session featured the Edward M. Kennedy Institute’s Senate Immersion Module. This remarkable congressional simulation gives students the chance to experience the legislative process firsthand, and the work they do there is nothing short of inspiring. It’s proof the next generation can play a vital role in shaping our civic landscape if we give them the tools to do so.

As we await the final tally of this year's vote, we know 54 percent of 18-29-year-olds cast their ballots in 2020—one of the highest turnouts ever for this age group. This is a powerful reminder for all of us in education that we have a responsibility to prepare our students for the challenges ahead. They want to be ready to tackle those challenges, and it's up to us to rise to the occasion.

Andy Miller teaches AP Government, civics, and history at Owen High School in Black Mountain, NC. He is also a recipient of the Bill of Rights Institute's Gary Colletti Conference scholarship.