Ellen Garrison vs. Acton Middle School: a word experiment

I’ve heard it stated recently that “a name doesn’t matter.” I think it’s timely to put this proposition to a test. Let us examine a list of names: 

• Nancy Pelosi
• Liz Cheney
• John Glenn
• Trayvon Martin
• Ashli Babbitt
• George Wallace
• Fannie Lou Hamer
• David Duke

I would submit that each of these names evokes a feeling, an impression, perhaps even a passion. This is also true when Ellen Garrison is compared to Acton Middle School. For some inexplicable reason, our school superintendent and School Committee favor the simply descriptive over the aspirational and inspirational. A name that reminds me where I live over a name that tells me I am seen and I belong. Is wanting the latter of these too much to ask of a School Committee, a superintendent, or a community? 

Michael A. Williams

Sudbury Road