Alumnus Makes History: From J Board to State Representative
When Aundré Bumgardner ’12 arrived as a boarding student in ninth grade from Groton, CT, he couldn’t possibly predict that just seven years later he’d be elected as the State Representative representing the region that he came from.
When Aundré Bumgardner ’12 arrived as a boarding student in ninth grade from Groton, CT, he couldn’t possibly predict that just seven years later he’d be elected as the State Representative representing the region that he came from.
His opponent was a four-term incumbent in office since 1973, her father was a State Representative, and the family name recognition was through the roof.
How did he do it? “Simply,” said Aundré. “We just got 39 more votes than she did.”
He is the youngest person elected to the state legislature in Connecticut history.
With a pulse on politics before adolescence, he attributes his deeper interest to his grandfather who engaged in conversation and debate during family meals. It opened Aundré’s eyes to current events and he immersed himself in learning more.
“Four years ago I never thought that I’d be running for State Representative,” said Aundré. “Just not this early.”
In high school, CSW offered many leadership opportunities that he took advantage of, learned from and influenced his trajectory. During his freshman year, he served on the Judicial Board (J Board), a very eye-opening experience as he represented his peers and helped them navigate sensitive school issues.
“At most institutions, this responsibility would fall on one person that would bestow punishment for breaking the rules,” said Aundré. “On J Board, your peers decided what the fate would be, and we were a part of the process. Teachers and adults were OK with putting young people in the hot seat to make difficult decisions about life and moral issues. It was so important at a young age to keep my friends yet stay focused on a job to do, stay impartial and fulfill the duties as I had promised to my peers.”
Aundré was appointed Dorm Leader in his junior year, a position that is typically held by seniors, and the following year he was elected again as the only leader for the dorm. Also during his senior year, he was elected onto the Board of Trustees, an “enlightening experience,” that he is most grateful to have had.
“As a student I was able to see the work that goes into cultivating an excellent school,” shared Aundré, one of two student representatives on the board. “Every decision that is made: whether immediate or future moves, are made under the long term vision, and critical to the success of the future.”
During summers when a lot of his friends were off vacationing, Aundré interned on political campaigns. When he was just 15 years old, he interned with Former Congressman Rob Simmons, working closely on his senate race. He worked for Tom Foley, a CT gubernatorial candidate, and mayoral and congressional races.
“Obviously I was aware that my campaign work strengthened my resume,” shared Aundré. “Yet, the number one reason for me was because I loved it.”
Influenced by his experiences at CSW examining human and civil rights, it was there that Aundré first became aware of global citizenship. As a boarding student, he felt lucky to become friends with people from allover the world, with varying economic backgrounds. He got close with a lot of parents of his boarding and day student friends. He made it a practice to engage in conversation with adults, something he craved.
“You need to find mentors and guidance,” shared Aundré. “I always sought new friends and life experiences, and that included with the faculty as well. There was an array of faculty that I had special bonds with.”
He was deeply affected by the attention he received from CSW faculty, and thinks it’s important to recognize teachers for being outstanding educators. He said he was consistently encouraged and supported by his teachers. He implemented a personal strategy of what he called “a daily goal,” not for the best grade, but to think critically and explore reflection.
“Teachers were clearly excited to come to the classroom,” Aundré added. “Each teacher would take the time to make sure that no person was left behind and we ended the day knowing a little bit more. “
It was a conversation with Tom Foley that compelled Aundré to throw his hat into the ring in March and run for state representative. When Tom confided in him that he could win the seat, Aundré believed him. This spring, his time was solely focused on fundraising. After qualifying for public financing, he received a grant from the state, and he then knocked on more than 5000 doors in Groton and New London. The campaign flourished and included many contributions from MA due to his friendships from CSW.
His internships affirmed his Republican leaning; yet he considers himself a consensus builder with a bipartisan spirit.
“Being at CSW made me vey well balanced,” he added. “I was always willing to listen to the other side and where they’re coming from.”
Upon graduation in 2012, Aundré attended Stetson University. Although he shall be busy when he takes office in January 2015, he plans to return to finish studies in Connecticut in the near future.
“The experience of being part of the greater CSW community trumped everything else I learned,” he added. “Stepping up to the plate to put yourself out there to remediate or help. I don’t think a lot of schools have those opportunities to be yourself and learn on your own like CSW does.”
His opponent was a four-term incumbent in office since 1973, her father was a State Representative, and the family name recognition was through the roof.
How did he do it? “Simply,” said Aundré. “We just got 39 more votes than she did.”
He is the youngest person elected to the state legislature in Connecticut history.
With a pulse on politics before adolescence, he attributes his deeper interest to his grandfather who engaged in conversation and debate during family meals. It opened Aundré’s eyes to current events and he immersed himself in learning more.
“Four years ago I never thought that I’d be running for State Representative,” said Aundré. “Just not this early.”
In high school, CSW offered many leadership opportunities that he took advantage of, learned from and influenced his trajectory. During his freshman year, he served on the Judicial Board (J Board), a very eye-opening experience as he represented his peers and helped them navigate sensitive school issues.
“At most institutions, this responsibility would fall on one person that would bestow punishment for breaking the rules,” said Aundré. “On J Board, your peers decided what the fate would be, and we were a part of the process. Teachers and adults were OK with putting young people in the hot seat to make difficult decisions about life and moral issues. It was so important at a young age to keep my friends yet stay focused on a job to do, stay impartial and fulfill the duties as I had promised to my peers.”
Aundré was appointed Dorm Leader in his junior year, a position that is typically held by seniors, and the following year he was elected again as the only leader for the dorm. Also during his senior year, he was elected onto the Board of Trustees, an “enlightening experience,” that he is most grateful to have had.
“As a student I was able to see the work that goes into cultivating an excellent school,” shared Aundré, one of two student representatives on the board. “Every decision that is made: whether immediate or future moves, are made under the long term vision, and critical to the success of the future.”
During summers when a lot of his friends were off vacationing, Aundré interned on political campaigns. When he was just 15 years old, he interned with Former Congressman Rob Simmons, working closely on his senate race. He worked for Tom Foley, a CT gubernatorial candidate, and mayoral and congressional races.
“Obviously I was aware that my campaign work strengthened my resume,” shared Aundré. “Yet, the number one reason for me was because I loved it.”
Influenced by his experiences at CSW examining human and civil rights, it was there that Aundré first became aware of global citizenship. As a boarding student, he felt lucky to become friends with people from allover the world, with varying economic backgrounds. He got close with a lot of parents of his boarding and day student friends. He made it a practice to engage in conversation with adults, something he craved.
“You need to find mentors and guidance,” shared Aundré. “I always sought new friends and life experiences, and that included with the faculty as well. There was an array of faculty that I had special bonds with.”
He was deeply affected by the attention he received from CSW faculty, and thinks it’s important to recognize teachers for being outstanding educators. He said he was consistently encouraged and supported by his teachers. He implemented a personal strategy of what he called “a daily goal,” not for the best grade, but to think critically and explore reflection.
“Teachers were clearly excited to come to the classroom,” Aundré added. “Each teacher would take the time to make sure that no person was left behind and we ended the day knowing a little bit more. “
It was a conversation with Tom Foley that compelled Aundré to throw his hat into the ring in March and run for state representative. When Tom confided in him that he could win the seat, Aundré believed him. This spring, his time was solely focused on fundraising. After qualifying for public financing, he received a grant from the state, and he then knocked on more than 5000 doors in Groton and New London. The campaign flourished and included many contributions from MA due to his friendships from CSW.
His internships affirmed his Republican leaning; yet he considers himself a consensus builder with a bipartisan spirit.
“Being at CSW made me vey well balanced,” he added. “I was always willing to listen to the other side and where they’re coming from.”
Upon graduation in 2012, Aundré attended Stetson University. Although he shall be busy when he takes office in January 2015, he plans to return to finish studies in Connecticut in the near future.
“The experience of being part of the greater CSW community trumped everything else I learned,” he added. “Stepping up to the plate to put yourself out there to remediate or help. I don’t think a lot of schools have those opportunities to be yourself and learn on your own like CSW does.”
The Cambridge School of Weston is a progressive high school for day and boarding students in grades 9–12 and PG. CSW's mission is to provide a progressive education that emphasizes deep learning, meaningful relationships, and a dynamic program that inspires students to discover who they are and what their contribution is to their school, their community and the world.