Fourth-grader Charlotte Hagman urges inclusion, accessibility in public comment

Charlotte Hagman, a fourth grader at Eagle Bay Elementary, urged meeting attendees to make their community more inclusive and accessible to people with different backgrounds and abilities. "My hope for the future is that everybody is included," she said.

Hagman said disagreements and differences of opinion have led to division and that kindness should guide interactions. "Treat people with kindness, always. Even if it's hard," she said, adding that people of all skin colors and beliefs should be respected.

She called for practical steps to improve accessibility, saying communities should provide "more ramps and accessible health care" to support people with disabilities. Hagman framed these changes as part of broader civic responsibility and participation: "We can work together by volunteering our time and learning to help our community."

Hagman cited concrete examples of local volunteer efforts: her school raised $700 for the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, and she has helped assemble pantry packs for the Bothell Food Pantry to aid students facing food insecurity. "For example, I have volunteered with great organizations such as the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center where my school raised $700 in donations and the Bothell Food Pantry by putting together pantry packs for students who are hungry," she said.

She closed by urging fellow students and community members to keep striving for inclusion and to share stories to build empathy. "My hope for the future is that everyone has their ideas heard and that everyone has kindness in their lives," Hagman said. Her remarks concluded to applause.