Keep the name Marc Muir in mind; you may see it on a ballot in the not-too-distant future.
The seventh-grade student in St. Ann School, Lawrenceville, is already making a name for himself in the world of politics, which was on display Sept. 21 at a gubernatorial town hall and debate for the New Jersey governor’s race hosted at Rider University, Lawrenceville.
Muir was invited to attend after his question was chosen from over 100 submissions. He was seated in the front row and had the opportunity to ask his question directly of either candidate Jack Ciattarelli or Mikie Sherrill.
With a confidence that belied his 12 years, the middle schooler approached the microphone and asked Ciattarelli, “What is your vision to restore public trust in government?”
Although this was his first time attending and participating in a live debate, the political landscape is already old hat for the St. Ann parishioner.
“I’ve been watching these kinds of debates since I was three years old,” he said. “I also have volunteered on a presidential and gubernatorial campaign in the past and currently.”
Muir has taken every advantage of the educational opportunities contributing to his knowledge of debate and politics, both at St. Ann School and beyond. He recently ran for student council and won; his plans include running for class president in the spring.
A Junior Presidential Historian since the age of seven, Muir is also a member of Youth and Student Government (YAG) “in which I participate in live sessions at the State House in Trenton, and attend an annual three-day conference,” he said. He is a member of Model United Nations through YMCA of Greater Monmouth County, attending MUN conferences in Hershey, Pa., with delegates from across the region.
“This past July, I attended a law and government program for advanced middle schoolers at Georgetown University, Washington,” he said.
He attributes his interest partially to his experience in Catholic schools; he spent eight years at St. Augustine of Canterbury School, Kendall Park, in the Metuchen Diocese, and this is his second year at St. Ann’s.
“I feel that receiving a faith-based education all these years has inspired and empowered me about the importance of integrity, courage and establishing my moral compass,” Muir emphasized. “Plus, I have really great teachers who are passionate at what they do. That has been an inspiration.”
His aspirations for the future are anything but small.
“I am interested in attending law school one day, although I haven’t decided what area of law I want to study,” he said.
With plenty of time left before college, Muir has some specific ideas about the next couple of years.
“I also would like to be a member of a debate team in high school and also intern as a page for one of our State Senators in Washington, D.C., after I turn 16,” he said. “I wouldn’t mind working in Congress one day.”
And if Capitol Hill in fact becomes his future, Muir plans to take his Catholic values with him, “the core values of upholding the highest integrity, respect and honesty when interacting and debating with political figures,” he said. “I believe strongly in standing by the courage of my convictions even when put to the test.”