Student Spotlight: Peter Whelan

by Kristin Whelan
mom of Peter Whelan, TNCS Junior

After canvassing for Abigail Spanberger last fall with me, Peter decided to join the Chesterfield Young Democrats. This particular chapter is made up of young professionals, but he really wanted to join even though he is the youngest. The state Young Democrats held their annual convention and elections in early April in Norfolk. All of the Young Democrats from across the state are invited. There were many groups who came from high schools and colleges around the state. Since Peter is a teen and unaffiliated with any high school group, I traveled with him but sent him on his own to all of the activities. He went to the opening sessions on Friday and came back to the hotel room telling me that he was approached to run for the State Teen Caucus Chair. This involved Peter visiting with the other teen groups in attendance, introducing himself, and sharing his ideas. In addition to this, he had to deliver a campaign speech to the entire group of over 400 delegates – and he won the seat! I have never seen him so excited and proud. He was administered the oath of office, along with the other elected officials, at an evening gala. His Chair position is also a position on the Executive Board for Virginia. He will attend monthly meetings at the headquarters in Richmond, attend the mid-Atlantic conference, and is also invited to the national conference in Indianapolis in June. He will be invited to speak to student groups and to legislators on behalf of the teens in Virginia.

He did this all by himself, but not really…

When Peter was first diagnosed in 2nd grade, we decided that Riverside School would be the right place for him because, while we wanted him to be able to learn to read and excel academically, we also wanted him to have interests and life outside of school. The drag of an extra 2 hours a day of tutoring after school seemed like it would steal his life. We are so grateful to have The New Community School available to him for high school. Here, he has excelled academically, found ways to get involved, and built strong relationships with his teachers and advisors. Because of this, his confidence in his God-given talents has grown. He’s had the “room” to explore and nurture his interests.