Pottstown
I represent Pottstown because I witness daily the "unspoken resilience" of a community navigating life in the shadow of industrial decline and economic disinvestment.
I am uncovering the stories of women and residents of color who sustain local life and memory even after the collapse of the steel and iron industries that once defined the town. Using the lens of a historic, woman-owned local business, I am exploring how marginalized labor is often excluded from the narrative of "progress" and prosperity. My research interrogates whose history is deemed worth preserving when a community's economic glory days have passed.
This story matters because it challenges the focus on industrial booms and busts by valuing the resilient individuals who keep daily life functioning. It reminds us that every voice matters in building an inclusive future for towns history has tried to "turn the page" on.
—Frank Xu
Frank Xu
Chapter Leader
I am a student writer at The Hill School. I am deeply interested in the ways people live differently while sharing many of the same emotions, questions, and hopes. Through writing, I explore places, cultures, and histories as a way of understanding both the wider world and my own place within it. I aim to speak for the underspoken and recognize the minorities. Outside of writing, I am especially interested in literature and history. I enjoy studying how architecture, tradition, and everyday life preserve the stories of people across generations.
We aim to speak for the unspoken in Pottstown: to recognize those labor workers who are underrepresented, to acknowledge the female innovators who managed their businesses over a long time, and those families who lived through the flourishing and downfall of a state's economy.
Team Members
Brennan Klier
Luca Hoffman
Chase Zhang
Brennan is a local student at The Hill School with a deep passion for writing and history. As he speaks with members of the community and those around him, he believes that every person has a unique perspective worth sharing. He is always eager to connect with people from different backgrounds. Through his writing, Brennan hopes to encourage others to see history and everyday life through a more personal perspective.
Luca is a junior at The Hill School from Canada. He has a love for reading and reflection. He enjoys immersing himself in books from a wide range of genres. He often finds inspiration in the experiences of those around him. He is always curious about the stories and moments of people around him. Through reading and conversation, he continues to broaden his perspective and understanding.
Chase Zhang is a student from Shenzhen, China, currently attending The Hill School. He is fascinated by economics and history. He enjoys exploring how markets function and how history shape the world. Beyond the classroom, Chase constantly seeks new ideas and perspectives as he communicates with those around him.