At our school, we often talk about the importance of being “global citizens” and taking initiative. But rarely do we see it manifest as powerfully as it did recently through the actions of one of our Year 7 student, Harper.
What started as a moment of personal empathy has grown into a conversation at the highest levels of our government.
The inspiration for Harper’s journey wasn’t born in a textbook, but from a place of deep compassion. After supporting a friend who tragically lost a loved one in an e-bike accident, Harper felt she couldn’t stay silent about the growing risks posed by high-powered e-bikes in our local community.
Rather than just moving on, she decided to advocate for change. She channeled her concerns into a formal letter addressed to Simon Kennedy MP, the Federal Member for Cook.
Advocacy requires courage, and Harper showed plenty of it. She didn’t just send an email; she met with Mr. Kennedy at a local constituent “coffee shop catch-up” to read her letter aloud.
Her message—clear, heartfelt, and urgent—struck a chord. It was immediately evident that her perspective as a young person was exactly what was needed to highlight the real-world dangers of unregulated e-bike use.
The impact of Harper’s initiative didn’t stop at the coffee shop. Mr. Kennedy was so moved by her advocacy that he recently wrote back to her with some incredible news: her speech was officially mentioned in Parliament.
This story is a powerful reminder that you are never too young to influence public policy or set an example for those around you. Harper’s actions bring to mind the encouragement found in 1 Timothy 4:12:
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
By speaking up, Harper has not only ensured that the safety of our streets remains a priority for our leaders, but she has also lived out these values in a very real way. We are incredibly proud of her for turning a difficult situation into a platform for positive change and for showing us all what it looks like to lead with courage.
Well done, Harper, on your courage, initiative, and determination to make your voice heard.