Seize the chance to name middle school for Ellen Garrison

As a 45-year resident of Acton, and as the grandmother of three children of color, two of whom will be entering the Acton public schools, I would like to voice my strong opinion that we should name our new middle school after Ellen Garrison. 

It was appalling and incomprehensible to read that the School Committee, and our superintendent, have opted for the bland “Acton Middle School,” and passed up an opportunity to give our students of color a reason to be proud, and all our students a chance to learn about Ellen Garrison’s place in Acton’s history.

There’s nothing unprecedented about naming a school after a particular historical figure. Our three elementary schools are named after distinguished white men. Let’s take this opportunity to balance that with naming our new middle school after a woman, and a woman of color.

Sylvia Lotspeich Greene

Audubon Drive, Acton