When Teens Write the Rules

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From Classroom to Capitol

When a teacher says, “This assignment might change your life,” most students don’t expect to end up changing Florida law. But that’s exactly what happened for a group of Sumner High students.

Thanks to Hillsborough County’s Ought to Be a Law program, students had the chance to write their own bills and take them through the full legislative process. Think Schoolhouse Rock meets Shark Tank, but with no Mr. Wonderful.

These Sumner students traveled to Tallahassee earlier this year and pitched a bill aimed at helping military families transition more easily into Florida schools. Lawmakers were impressed, and now, it’s officially signed into law.

Their teacher, Tony Pirotta, says the experience taught them more than any textbook could. Real-world advocacy, public speaking, and how to survive the state capital without getting lost in the parking garage.

State Rep. Susan Valdes, who backed the students throughout the process, held a press conference in Tampa to celebrate the bill and remind everyone that young people aren’t just the future — they’re shaping the present.

Students from Jefferson High also had reason to celebrate. Their financial literacy bill was signed into law as well, giving Florida students a better shot at understanding interest rates before they're 35.

Valdes also marked the passing of House Bill 1111, which finally eliminates the “certificate of completion” — a paper most students could’ve done without. After years of pushing for it, she got it done.

Big wins all around. And for the Sumner students, not a bad entry for the college applications: wrote a law, got it passed. No big deal.

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💜 Alzheimer's Awareness Month

At some point in your life, Alzheimer’s will likely touch you. Maybe it already has. A parent, a grandparent, a friend—you watch someone you love slowly fade in front of your eyes. The memories go first. Then the names. Then the ability to recognize the very people who never stopped loving them.

It’s a heartbreak no one should have to endure, and that’s exactly why June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month—a time to shine a light on a disease that affects more than 6 million Americans and countless more caregivers and families.

The goal this month is simple: raise awareness, promote brain health, and support the ongoing fight to end Alzheimer’s.

Here’s how you can make a difference:

• Wear purple, the official color of the movement

• Share your story on social media using #ENDALZ

• Take care of your brain: stay active, eat healthy, and stay socially connected

• Get involved locally or donate to research through alz.org

Alzheimer’s doesn’t just steal memories—it steals futures. But awareness is a powerful thing. The more we talk about it, the more we learn, the closer we get to finding a cure.

This June, let’s fight for the memories—and the people—we refuse to forget.

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