Dashe Begins Appointment to Dedham Human Rights Commission
Meet Will Dashe. He is a member of the CM Scholars Program, takes six A.P. courses, and is an integral member of the Speech & Debate and Model U.N. Programs. And, he just began a one-year appointment to the Dedham Human Rights Commission.
Dedham, Mass.-- When the Dedham Human Rights Commission held its inaugural meeting in September, one member seemed a bit out of place. Will Dashe, a senior at Catholic Memorial School, is almost two decades younger than the other 12 members. Last spring, the Board of Selectmen unanimously appointed Will to the Commission to fill the seat reserved for a high school student after Will eloquently discussed the Commission’s goals and potential for effecting positive change in the town.
Despite his age, Will is confident that he can collaborate with the other members to achieve the group’s mission.
“My inspiration for joining the commission was wanting to serve the community that has raised me and to make the community better by creating more connections between different groups of people,” said Will.
Those who know Will endorse his ability to contribute meaningfully to the Commission’s work, and they know that his membership on the committee is no mistake.
“Will is an incredibly bright and passionate young man. He possesses a unique ability to discuss history, politics, and global issues, and to do so in an insightful and inclusive way,” said Mr. Bradley, Chair of the Social Studies Department and one of Will’s teachers at CM.
Mr. Bradley is confident Will can fulfill the duties of this role.
"I believe Will can make a significant contribution to the work of the Dedham Human Rights Commission,” added Mr. Bradley.
“He works effectively and responsibly with peers and adults. I believe he has the courage to take on challenging issues, and the real-world viewpoint to craft effective solutions.”
CM’s President Dr. Peter Folan appreciates how Will combines his intellect with his desire to work for the good of his community.
“Will is a great representative of our community,” said Dr. Folan.
“His passion and intellect will add much to the Commission. Will is a great leader and role model. He is a young man whose has embraced his education and linked his heart and mind in a profound way."
Will’s dedication to service began as a Boy Scout. His time as a Boy Scout taught him what it meant to serve the greater community, setting the foundation for his spot on the Commission.
“I see the opportunity to make an impact and create a change, even if it is a small change. I can help make Dedham a community where all people feel welcome,” said Will.
At CM, Will has a rigorous course load which includes six Advanced Placement courses and membership in the CM Scholars Program. In addition, he has been an integral member of the Speech & Debate and Model U.N. programs. Will credits these programs with preparing him for his work on the Commission and providing him with the skills to create conversation among the various constituencies in the town.
“I wanted to put into practice the skills in leadership, communication, and research that I have developed through activities like Model U.N.,” said Will, enthusiastically.
An avid reader of the Dedham Times, Will read about the newly created commission and the opportunity to join last year. He decided quickly that he wanted to apply to be on the Commission and contribute to the Commission’s work. He had been looking for a chance to become involved in local government and this was his chance. After completing the application process and appearing before the Board, Will was appointed to a one-year term on the Commission.
During the first meeting last month, the Commission discussed its vision for Dedham and started an initial discussion about a celebration for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. One of the Commission’s immediate goals is to promote and communicate to the larger community regarding the work that it will be doing. To accomplish this, the members decided that the Commission needs an active social media presence.
As the members discussed who could lead this effort, they quickly settled on its youngest member. Will’s first task will be to create and curate an Instagram account for the Commission.
CM prepares students for the rigors of college and beyond. While here, boys embark on service-learning opportunities, leadership development, and character formation programs inspiring them to become confident, courageous young men motivated to do good in the world.
Catholic Memorial, the Christian Brothers School of Boston, prepares boys for college, manhood and a world full of unknown challenges, ambiguity and complex problems and the importance of relationships.