On May 13, Spaulding High School became the epicenter of powerful civic conversation as students, educators, and local leaders gathered for Bridge the Gap—a student-led civic dialogue summit hosted by BridgeUSA Spaulding, the school’s chapter of a national organization committed to promoting empathy-driven, nonpartisan dialogue among young people.
Founded this academic year by Spaulding students Gavin Boudreau and Caleb Reavis, the club was built on the belief that constructive conversations—especially across political and ideological divides—are essential to the health of democracy. The event reflected that mission with a bold question posed to the audience:
“Are you proud to call yourself an American?” Gavin asked in his opening remarks.“At your core, deep down in your bones, are you proud to call this place home?”
A Day of Dialogue and Discovery
Over the course of the event, approximately 35 Spaulding High students engaged in guided conversations with each other and with community members around two central topics:
- Mental Health in the Community
- School Pride and Civic Identity
Discussion warm-ups focused on the role of empathy in decision-making, while deeper conversations explored teen mental health resources, the impact of school pride, and strategies for bridging generational and civic divides.
The event yielded several notable and revealing outcomes:
- Community leaders gained critical insight into the daily struggles facing local teens. One attendee expressed genuine surprise, stating: “I had no idea that students thought about these things—governmental and social issues. I didn’t realize they were so political.”
- Many participants left with a more open-minded perspective on mental health and youth advocacy.
- Students reported feeling more connected to local civic issues, recognizing how their personal challenges mirrored broader community struggles in Rochester.
- A key takeaway was the need for increased local funding and support to address social and community issues at their roots.
- Above all, participants walked away with a deeper understanding of how dialogue builds empathy—and how critical that is to sustaining a healthy democracy.
Local Leaders Join the Conversation
The event drew an impressive roster of attendees, underscoring the seriousness of the conversations taking place. Participants included:
- Joseph D. Kenney, State of New Hampshire Executive Councilor, District 1
- Paul Callaghan, Mayor of Rochester, NH
- Eric Barbaros, COO of Lilac Club Casino
- Gary Boudreau, Rochester Police Chief
- T.J. Jean, VP of Operations at Frisbie Memorial Hospital
- Dr. Alison Bryant, Acting Superintendent, Rochester Public Schools
- Multiple School Board Members
- Sam Farrington, NH State Representative, Strafford District 8
- David Walker, NH State Representative, Strafford District 19
- Various local business and government leaders, as well as other community advocates
Each of these leaders participated in candid discussions with students and left with a renewed awareness of the importance of youth voices in civic life.
Youth Leading the Way
Student speaker Annie Lin reminded the audience that, while discussing difficult issues can be intimidating, real change begins with small acts of courage:
“Change never starts with a crowd. It starts with individuals who take action in small ways… I’m not proud to be an American—yet—but I’m working on it. Not in blind patriotism, but in purpose.”
In his closing remarks, co-founder Caleb Reavis reflected on the symbolic importance of BridgeUSA at Spaulding:
“BridgeUSA is more than just a group—it’s a symbol of a new generation saying, ‘We’re tired of division. We want change.’”
The event showcased the power of youth-led civic engagement to inspire empathy, strengthen community, and ignite a spirit of cooperation across generational and political lines.
BridgeUSA Spaulding’s mission is clear: to inspire students and community members to find common ground, engage with local issues, and build a more empathetic and united community.