Something pretty amazing is happening thanks to an Amity Regional School District student, a creative classroom project, and a whole lot of heart.
Back in March 2025, eighth-grade social studies teacher Jennifer Marganski gave her students a real-world assignment: write about a personal hero and make a case for why that person (or group) deserves a monument or memorial. Students have used this project to celebrate causes and heroes that matter to them – from local service members to doctors and nurses, to global leaders and everyday people doing good. It’s a project built around voice, civic action, and the idea that students can make change now, not “someday.”
One of last year’s students, Eniola Taiwo, chose a group of heroes who were thousands of miles away: Los Angeles firefighters who battled the devastating January 2025 wildfires. Eniola wrote a moving essay arguing that firefighters deserve recognition just as lasting as the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She then turned her idea into a letter to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and sent it off.
Her message landed exactly where it needed to.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Hollywood Community Foundation were so inspired by Eniola’s words that they decided to make her idea real. On December 12, 2025, the Chamber will unveil an Award of Excellence Star honoring the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) right alongside the famous Walk of Fame, at 6801 Hollywood Blvd. The ceremony will include LAFD Chief Jamie Moore, firefighters, community leaders, and, most importantly, Eniola and Ms. Marganski.
Several organizations stepped up to ensure Eniola and her teacher could be there to see the impact of her work firsthand. Delta Air Lines is providing round-trip flights for Eniola, her family, and Ms. Marganski, and the W Hotel Hollywood is hosting them for the weekend. The ceremony is being underwritten with support from The Walt Disney Company.
Superintendent Jennifer Byars shared how proud the district is of the moment:
“This is what we hope for when we ask students to write, think, and consider others. We want them to see themselves as people who can shape the world. Eniola’s work shows how far a student’s idea can travel when teachers like Ms. Marganski create the kind of creative, supportive learning that lets kids take real risks and do real-world work. Her project is a perfect example of our Amity Portrait of the Graduate in action – communication, empathy, collaboration, and problem solving – and we couldn’t be prouder of both.”
Principal Kathy Burke added, “Eniola’s idea came from empathy and courage. She saw people serving others under impossible circumstances and said, ‘they deserve to be honored.’ That’s powerful. This is an excellent opportunity to show what Amity students can do when they’re encouraged to lead with purpose.”
The Hollywood Chamber has given fewer than ten Awards of Excellence in its history, making this honor especially meaningful, not only for LAFD, but for the young person whose voice sparked it.
For Amity Middle School, it’s a reminder that student learning isn’t just about grades or tests, it’s about helping kids find their voice and see the impact it can have.
About the Monument Memorial Letter Project
Amity Middle School’s Monument Memorial Letter Project challenges students to identify heroes, causes, or events they believe deserve recognition, then advocate through research-based writing and letter-writing outreach. The project has led to service efforts, awareness campaigns, and responses from leaders around the country and world, and now, a Hollywood star honoring first responders.