Spartan Scuttlebutt:
By Greg Smith OAKMONT ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
Spartan of the Month - School Committee's Student Voice

Oakmont junior Amanda Wrigley and Oakmont Principal David Uminski often work together because of Wrigley's position on the Student Advisory Council. COURTESY PHOTO

When tuning into Ashburnham-Westminster Regional School Committee meetings, viewers may notice a young lady who frequently gives the Student Advisory Council report. That student is Amanda Wrigley, this year's chairperson of the Oakmont Student Advisory Council, and November's Spartan of the Month.

Amanda, who is a junior, has been a member of the Student Advisory Council since her freshman year. During the past few years she has made it a priority to attend as many School Committee meetings as possible. "I try not to miss meetings," she said. "think I've only missed two meetings since I've been chairperson of the Student Advisory Council."

Other than her Student Advisory Council position, Wrigley, who is the daughter of Scott and Karen Wrigley of Westminster, leads a very busy life. She's a percussionist in the Oakmont Concert Band and teaches Sunday School at the First Congregational Church in Westminster. During ski season, she also works at Wachusett Mountain. She even finds time during the school day to help out in the main office.

"Amanda is fabulous," said Sharon Olson, the Oakmont Attendance Secretary. "She's a huge help to us because we can depend on her to handle incoming calls and interact professionally with parents, other students, and visitors."

With all of the demands on her time, how can she manage to attend almost every School Committee meeting?

"It's something I'm passionate about," Wrigley said. "It's important to give the School Committee the students' perspective, so it doesn't get lost when decisions are made."

Oakmont Principal David Uminski has encouraged Wrigley's interest in government.

"Mr. Uminski helps me a lot by taking the time to answer my questions," she said. "He gradually gives me more responsibility when he thinks I can handle it."

Even with all the demands of his job, Wrigley finds that Uminski is there for her.

"I can talk to him about anything, I can ask him about anything, and he'll do anything to help you."

Wrigley isn't quite sure about where she wants to attend college or what career she'll pursue, but she keeps an eye on national politics.

"Equal taxation is an important issue," she explains, "and I'm concerned about violence in our nation."

Perhaps will Amanda Wrigley's name will appear on a ballot someday, stepping forward to enter government at the local, state, or even the national level.