A Proud Moment: Shiloh Leads the Pledge and Finds Her Voice

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At the invitation of State Senator Martha Marx, a longtime advocate for inclusion, Shiloh Hambey had the honor of leading the Pledge of Allegiance at this year's Democratic Convention in Waterford. The opportunity was the culmination of a relationship that began when Shiloh's mother, Susan, worked on Martha's campaign in 2022. During Martha's 2024 re-election campaign, she invited Shiloh to join the phone banking team. With accommodation and support from her parents, Shiloh embraced the role and was thrilled when Martha publicly recognized her contributions during the swearing-in ceremony at the Connecticut State Capitol.

So, when Martha recently asked Shiloh to lead the Pledge of Allegiance at the convention, her answer was an enthusiastic "yes." Her father, Steve, immediately began practicing the familiar words with her. While Shiloh had recited the pledge many times throughout her life, no one anticipated how speaking before a crowd of approximately 75 people would trigger her anxiety.

Drawing on the confidence and self-advocacy skills encouraged through her experiences at UCP, Shiloh persevered and delivered the Pledge beautifully. She then took another exciting step as a first-time convention delegate, proudly casting her vote for Martha's re-election to represent Connecticut's 20th State Senate District.

Following the event, Shiloh was showered with compliments from friends and supporters. In response to one congratulatory remark, she turned to her parents and proudly declared, "I am now a politician." It was a moment her family will never forget, and one that made them incredibly proud.