The National Liberty Museum: Acknowledging the Small People Who Do Big Things

By Linda S. Wallace

The National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia honors the heroes who plant seeds of change in the gardens of democracy.

On August 16th, they added a list of new individuals to their honor roll but, remarkably, few of them were old enough to vote. What they lacked in years, this diverse group of children and teens made up for in an abundance of confidence, creativity and determination. Many already had lists of volunteer activities and accomplishments that were as long as a professional resume, and certainly no less distinguished.

The 2007 Commerce Bank Young Heroes reflected the vibrant tapestry of Philadelphia and its suburbs. You had Matthew Cortland of Marlton, N.J., a teen who already is a major league fundraiser for autism research. You had your mentors who recruited friends to help younger classmates transition successfully into middle-and-high schools. You had Katie Schuyler, an 8-year-old who gave some brand new clothes away to a child who had lost everything in a fire. You had Dillon DeRosato of Gilbertsville PA, who persuaded neighbors to contribute backpacks and basic supplies to less fortunate students. You had Asia Haines Elijah who helped to reduce violence by helping her peers appreciate one another’s style and cultural uniqueness.

Woven into each story was the National Liberty Museum’s inspiring theme: Small citizens can do big things.

State Representative Kathy Manderino, who represents parts of Philadelphia and Montgomery County, told the audience that the young heroes’ hard work and sacrifices made life better for us all.

“Before you know it, young people across the country are going to be getting the little bit of help they need to stay on the right track,” she said. “Thank you for all that you do to make our world a better place to live. We are so proud of you.”

In many instances, the youthful change agents had adult coaches, role models and collaborators. Asia Haines Elijah’s tolerance campaign was assisted by the Peace Train, a musical group that uses songs to teach Philadelphia school students how to resolve conflict and accept differences. Asia attends Bartram High School in Philadelphia, which had been designated as a “persistently dangerous school.” Fights constantly broke out among African immigrant, Jamaican and black students, who were distinguished by their fashion, language and music.

Asia and other student leaders used rap music, dance and poetry to help classmates express their cultural experiences and uniqueness. These fun encounters reduced suspicions and grew friendships that bridged the cultural divides. “There was a clash of personalities,” Asia explains. “We brought everyone together.”

The reward was priceless; Bartram has been removed from the list of persistently dangerous schools.

Dillon DeRosato, a sixth grader at Gilbertsville Elementary School, participated in a school project to collect supplies for less fortunate students and schools. After visiting one of the sites with his teacher, his interest was transformed into passion. He used the money he received for Christmas to buy backpacks for students who could not afford them. Then he began calling local retailers to enlist their help. Collection boxes were set up all over town and, so far, Dillon has collected and given away 200 backpacks. He is a young hero who believes every student deserves the basic supplies, and he’s making it happen.

Allison Darminger, a student at Pitman High School in Pittman, N.J., is a leader who willingly tackles other people’s challenges. After noticing her younger classmates were having difficulty adapting as they reached higher grades, she recruited her 11th grade friends to create a tutoring and mentoring program for the 7th graders. The 11th graders met Tuesdays and Thursdays with their matches. The program was so successful it has been expanded to include students in other grades.

Alysha Cambell is a 12-year-old who is working to smooth out the rough edges around her. Having lost her own mother to violence, the 7th grader at East Lansdowne Basic Elementary School in East Lansdowne, Pa., brightens up the world for others. While was serving hot meals and collecting used clothing for the homeless, she discovered that the problem was so big she needed help. She organized a successful food and clothing drive at her school.

Taylor-Athena Chybinski, an 8 year-old hero, has just completed 2nd grade. She saves her allowance all throughout the year and then you picks a special group to help. This past year, for example, she selected a nearby nursing home. She u made over 200 gift bags and then went from room to room, visiting the residents of the home and giving them holiday treats.

Katie Schuyler, another 8 year old, is also using her minutes wisely. just finished 2nd grade at Westfield Friends School in Cinnaminson, NJ, where she takes part in lots of food, toy, and clothing drives. Last fall, when she learned that a girl her age lost all of her belongings in a house fire, Katie sent her clothes from her own closet - including some brand-new items and much-needed winter accessories.

In all, 31 young heroes were honored. More than 300 family members, friends and teachers came to offer good wishes to the children and teens making their generation, and the region’s future, look so good.

And that, precisely, is one of the major missions of the National Liberty Museum. It reinforces the notion that every person in a democracy matters, and even the smallest citizens can take the lead.