As part of our SMS Leaders Club initiative, Sammamish Montessori School had the honor of welcoming Washington State Representative Osman Salahuddin (LD-48) for a special visit.
Representative Salahuddin, who was raised in Redmond, shared that his journey in public service is deeply connected to the very community where he grew up. A proud alumnus of Dickinson Elementary School, his return to a local school setting was a full-circle moment, one that inspired both students and teachers alike.
During his visit, Representative Salahuddin toured the school, meeting students and teachers while learning about the Montessori approach and the SMS mission of fostering curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. He expressed his admiration for the school’s emphasis on leadership and community engagement at such a young age.
The highlight of the afternoon was an engaging Q&A session with the SMS Leaders Club. Our young leaders came prepared with questions that reflected both their curiosity and innocence. They asked meaningful questions like, “Why is this job important, and why is it important to you?” and practical ones such as, “What do you wear to work?” Their enthusiasm only grew as they moved to more imaginative questions like, “Can you provide homes to homeless people?” and “Can you bring scooters to our school?” The laughter reached its peak when one student boldly asked, “What if we want scooters and goats?”, a question that perfectly captured the spirit of our bright, creative students.
Representative Salahuddin took each question to heart, offering thoughtful answers while encouraging students to stay curious, learn about how their government works, and believe that their voices matter. He reminded them that leadership starts with listening, understanding others, and working together for the good of the community.
It was truly a memorable afternoon, one that blended civic learning with the joyful curiosity of childhood, reminding us all that leadership begins with curiosity, compassion, and a sense of community.
The visit concluded with a warm and personal touch. The children presented Representative Salahuddin with a handmade welcome banner and thank-you card, a token of appreciation crafted with care by the students themselves.
The afternoon was a perfect example of what the SMS Leaders Club stands for: inspiring children to lead with heart, to ask meaningful questions, and to recognize their role as active members of their community. Visits like this not only introduce our students to the world of civic service but also remind us all that even the smallest voices can carry big ideas.
It was a truly memorable day that celebrated leadership, learning, and the enduring Montessori belief that when children are empowered to explore and give back, they grow into the compassionate change-makers our world needs.
As Dr. Maria Montessori once said, “The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.” She believed that when children are encouraged to understand and participate in their communities, they grow into adults who give back with empathy and purpose.
At SMS, opportunities like this visit help students see how the values they learn in the classroom, respect, service, and curiosity, connect to the larger world around them.
