Enthusiastic Young Democrat Inspires Local Fundraiser
What do you build for stagecraft class when a pandemic means there will be no plays presented this spring? That was the conundrum facing University of New Hampshire sophomore Heath Howard. After much thought, he came up with an idea that turned out to be wildly popular with the local Democratic committee in his home town of Strafford: He would build a hand-crafted set of regulation-size corn hole boards. Once his unique design project met with the approval of his professor, the local committee could use it as a prize.
With the guidance of his father, Dan Howard, a woodworking pro, Heath crafted the boards, finished and painted them, documenting the whole process for his class. The Howard team made sure the boards were true quality craftsmanship.
“We definitely put a lot of time and effort into making sure they were done properly,” says Heath. The boards are minimalist in design, with a decorative blue stripe accenting a clear finish that brings out the grain of the wood. “I was very happy with how they came out,” Heath says. “And it was fun to spend time with my dad.”
Heath and his family have been active with the Strafford Town Democratic Committee for several years. After he heard that local Democrats would not be able to hold their traditional blueberry festival in 20202 because of the pandemic, he decided to offer the hand-crafted corn hole boards, which can retail for $200, as a raffle prize.
“Hopefully, the raffle will raise lots of money to support Democratic candidates in New Hampshire this fall,” said Heath. “Keep everything in New Hampshire blue. That’s the ideal!”
Involving a New Generation
Heath, then a UNH Political Science major, always remembers being interested in politics. While at Spaulding High School in Rochester, he served as an intern in Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter’s office, which he says was a “great experience.” His interest in government was further sparked in 2017 at Boys State, an American Legion program intended to inform young people about state and local government. He later interned with Congressional hopeful Maura Sullivan, where he got his first taste of being a part of a campaign. He was hooked. “It was a great time for me,” says Heath. “I had a lot of fun – making a difference, working for change.”
Heath feels it is essential for the younger generation to be involved in politics. “We are the future backbone of America, the population entering the workforce. It’s important for our voices to be heard,” says Heath. “We’re always told we’re too young, that we don’t know anything. And some young people feel the system is broken. They’re pissed off. To get them to vote, we have to give them a reason to be inspired.”
Heath is now taking that inspiration – and action – to a new level. In 2022, he was elected to the NH House, representing a district that includes the towns of Strafford and Barrington. “It’s important service,” says Heath. “I’m very passionate about politics because I want to see people better themselves.”
With the guidance of his father, Dan Howard, a woodworking pro, Heath crafted the boards, finished and painted them, documenting the whole process for his class. The Howard team made sure the boards were true quality craftsmanship.
“We definitely put a lot of time and effort into making sure they were done properly,” says Heath. The boards are minimalist in design, with a decorative blue stripe accenting a clear finish that brings out the grain of the wood. “I was very happy with how they came out,” Heath says. “And it was fun to spend time with my dad.”
Heath and his family have been active with the Strafford Town Democratic Committee for several years. After he heard that local Democrats would not be able to hold their traditional blueberry festival in 20202 because of the pandemic, he decided to offer the hand-crafted corn hole boards, which can retail for $200, as a raffle prize.
“Hopefully, the raffle will raise lots of money to support Democratic candidates in New Hampshire this fall,” said Heath. “Keep everything in New Hampshire blue. That’s the ideal!”
Involving a New Generation
Heath, then a UNH Political Science major, always remembers being interested in politics. While at Spaulding High School in Rochester, he served as an intern in Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter’s office, which he says was a “great experience.” His interest in government was further sparked in 2017 at Boys State, an American Legion program intended to inform young people about state and local government. He later interned with Congressional hopeful Maura Sullivan, where he got his first taste of being a part of a campaign. He was hooked. “It was a great time for me,” says Heath. “I had a lot of fun – making a difference, working for change.”
Heath feels it is essential for the younger generation to be involved in politics. “We are the future backbone of America, the population entering the workforce. It’s important for our voices to be heard,” says Heath. “We’re always told we’re too young, that we don’t know anything. And some young people feel the system is broken. They’re pissed off. To get them to vote, we have to give them a reason to be inspired.”
Heath is now taking that inspiration – and action – to a new level. In 2022, he was elected to the NH House, representing a district that includes the towns of Strafford and Barrington. “It’s important service,” says Heath. “I’m very passionate about politics because I want to see people better themselves.”
