Many political careers have started humbly at the grassroots level and that would be just fine for one Macomb student, propelled by the pandemic to seek election this year to his local school board.
“I saw the direct impact the board had on my education,” says Sellers, who graduated from L’Anse Creuse High School North this past summer. “I was specifically disappointed in the board’s actions during COVID, delaying graduation ceremonies until August, while all the other surrounding districts graduated in June. I vowed to make sure the current senior class would not have to go through what I went through.”
Sellers’ interest in the L’Anse Creuse School Board is actually nothing new. He began following it as a freshman in high school, watching televised meetings and discussing its decisions with his mom, an elementary school teacher. As he starts his second semester at Macomb, Sellers will begin juggling the demands of his own classes with the needs of L’Anse Creuse students when he joins the board as its newest and youngest elected trustee.
“I would like to make sure that we begin to spend money on all students. In the age of COVID, our families need the support more than ever before,” says Sellers. “I (also) want to recruit and retain our high-quality support staff and teachers. They are asked to work more than ever right now, and we need to make sure they are incentivized to want to work in L’Anse Creuse.”
By the time his six-year term on the school board is over, Sellers will be 24 and, in his words, “two years removed from college.” He is currently deciding between majoring in political science or business, with plans to transfer to Wayne State University or Oakland University to earn a bachelor’s degree.
“I wanted this position because I wanted to help the kids in the schools,” says Sellers. “However, this seems like a natural stepping stone for higher office. It could mean more local politics, or a county or state seat. The way I look at it, local government impacts my day-to-day life much more often than the feds do.”
Sellers’ energy extends beyond the political arena as well. He is a self-proclaimed “sports fanatic,” who roots for the Tigers, Lions and Pistons. Preferably, in person when that is again possible. He is a tennis player and coach, and works at Peachtree Tennis Club. With all that’s going on in his life, he’s appreciative of the assistance and flexibility that Macomb has provided.
“Macomb has been great in assisting me with my class registration so I take classes that will transfer,” says Sellers. “With board responsibilities growing with COVID issues, my classes being online will allow me to be closer to the board office and the schools, where I would like to make sure I am a consistent face.”