Testimonials
Hear directly from my supporters about why they are voting for Charlie Hirst for the 2-year partial term in 2026. If you want to submit a testimonial, please complete this form.
“Looking back on my time in Saline, I struggle with both good and bad memories. As a student of color, I felt isolated even among friends, witnessing racism and islamophobia on a regular basis with the overwhelming feeling that there was no one to go to, since I had very few other Arab peers and no arab teachers or staff I knew of.
I used my volunteer position on the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Advisory Committee to try to make a change in the community and help build bridges between students and admin. Charlie built that bridge for me and with me. They were a resource, an ally, an open ear, and most of all a champion of action. Charlie and I worked on many projects together, starting in my sophomore year.
An important thing Charlie did for me, as a student, was to ensure they would always honor my requests to meet in public or to record meetings for my safety and comfort as a minor. I didn’t feel unheard, like I often felt by peers, teachers, and admin, when talking about issues that affected me, like dead-naming, misgendering, racism, islamophobia, etc. I quickly abandoned any discomfort or intimidation I felt working with a group of Saline parents/teachers/staff with Charlie by my side.
All of the time I spent with Charlie working on our gender-neutral forms and language recommendations to the school was an outstanding experience and gave me a model of the kind of work and person I’d like to be.
In a group setting, it was so meaningful to have Charlie on my side, who not only was amazing at using people’s pronouns but was also amazing at calling people in. When others misgendered me by mistake, for instance, with my consent, Charlie would advocate for me. Always reaching out to see if I was ok, always being very mindful of my comfort and well-being, and communicating to others in a way that has taught me to be more confident.
Charlie would do whatever it takes to make all students and families feel welcome and safe. To this day, I avoid going back to Saline; it wasn’t a home or a happy place for me, despite having spent 13 years of schooling there. When I look back at the three school years I worked with Charlie in the DEIAC, I feel a sense of restoration and joy.”
- SHS Graduate
"I’m proud to support Charlie Hirst for Saline School Board. I’ve had the opportunity to know Charlie not only as a neighbor, but also through our work together on the Saline Arts & Culture Committee and as fellow participants in the Saline Leadership Institute.
Through these experiences, I’ve seen firsthand Charlie’s commitment to our community and their willingness to listen, collaborate, and thoughtfully consider different perspectives. They are deeply passionate about the education and well-being of all children and believe strongly in creating an environment where every student is treated with fairness, respect, and given the opportunity to succeed.
Charlie values diversity, understands the importance of strong public schools, and brings a genuine desire to serve. I believe they would be a thoughtful, dedicated, and fair voice on the Saline School Board."
- Diana Morning
"Fellow Voters of Saline School District:
I write to urge you to exercise your right to vote in this fall’s November election. Yes, the national and State races are of utmost importance and deserve our fullest attention, but I am encouraging you to think seriously of our local decisions.
Specifically, please spend some
meaningful time considering candidates for the Saline School Board.
I will be voting for Charlie Hirst for School Board Member, and I can enthusiastically suggest you do as well. I have had the good fortune to know and interact with Charlie for the past year and a half. I have seen Charlie in action and can report I find a most qualified candidate. Charlie’s enthusiasm, knowledge, and organizational skills serve to enhance effectiveness.
Charlie’s interest in quality education is not new. While living in Virginia’s Loudoun County, Charlie was very active in advocating for quality schools, equality for all, and women’s and children rights. Charlie went on to serve as a Member of Loudoun County Equity Committee for 4 years. Charlie’s advocacy and community service have continued admirably since returning to
Michigan. For the past 4 years, Charlie has served the Saline School Board by co-chairing its DEI Advisory Committee and also through personal work as a School Board Organizer with the Michigan Education Justice Coalition.
Please join me and support the election of Charlie Hirst. Charlie will serve the Saline Public Schools and all of us admirably.
Respectfully,
Bill G. William Knight, DDS, MS, MS
Walled Lake School Board 1989-1994
Saline, MI 48176"
“I had the honor of serving with Charlie Hirst on the DEI Advisory Committee, where they served as the parent co-chair. When I joined the committee in the middle of a school year, they welcomed me and helped me get up to speed, taking the time to explain the history of the committee and the role the committee plays in the SAS district. Charlie has deep, effective knowledge of SAS policies, and how equity, inclusion, and accessibility principles apply in educational settings. Charlie is a talented communicator and leader, and was able to break down complex and abstract concepts, and build consensus across our committee to deliver meaningful, evidence-based, pragmatic recommendations.
Charlie is someone who understands both the community's needs and how the district operates. They lead with compassion, and are consistently present and engaged. I am confident they will bring a thoughtful listening ear, and be a strong advocate for students and families as a SAS Board member!”
-Mallory Kwiatkowski
"As one of the youngest volunteers in Abdul El-Sayed's campaign, I was lucky enough to work alongside Charlie Hirst. From day one, Charlie was there to offer support, help, and ensure that no member of the campaign ever felt unwelcome or left behind. During every phonebanking session, Charlie cared authentically for the wellbeing of every single volunteer, creating an environment of solidarity and inclusion. This shows a true leader with empathy and principles who managed to unite people from totally different backgrounds to fight together for Michigan and Michiganders. Charlie is not a career politician, and that is why, if elected, people will always come before money. It is time for politicians like Charlie, who, instead of building a future political career, seek to support teachers and students, promote cooperation and dialogue, and ensure that every student is safe and accepted. As the mother of two children attending Saline Area Schools, Charlie truly understands the needs and concerns of local families and knows how to get things
done."
-Konstantinos Alexandros Kechriotis
Konstantinos is a US/Grecian living in Greece. He plans to study abroad in the United States.
