New Bedford students ask school committee to accept William H. Taylor medal; committee votes to place it at Taylor School

Students from William H. Taylor Elementary School urged the New Bedford School Committee on March 10 to accept a historical medal associated with the school's namesake, and the committee voted to place the medal at the school.

The request came during the public comment period from several Taylor students, who described William H. Taylor's roles in the city's civic life. “My name is James, and our class is interested in having the William Howard Taylor medal,” a student identified as James told the committee. “I think that it would be a cool piece of history knowing that he was considered one of the most known citizens in New Bedford.”

Fifth‑grader Mackenzie Lee also addressed the committee, saying the medal was “important to our school” because the building is named for Taylor and listing civic offices he held. Savannah Kudo, another Taylor fifth‑grader, said the medal would help students “learn more about William H. Taylor” and that the school’s entrance display could add a section honoring him.

After public comment, a committee member moved that the board accept the medal found by Reverend Hank Pierce and place it at William H. Taylor Elementary School. The motion received a second and passed on a voice vote; the chair announced “Aye” and reported no opposition.

The committee did not specify security, conservation, or display details during the meeting. Committee members and staff thanked the students for their presentations and moved on to the superintendent’s report.