Chamberlain Hill student creates petition to reintroduce doll

FINDLAY — Chamberlin Hill Elementary 5th grade student Callie Kuhn is determined to bring back an iconic doll and expand its clothing line. Seeing the discontinued Felicity doll in an old American Girl magazine, Kuhn launched a full blown movement, capturing the attention of her teachers and classmates. Having saved up enough money to buy her very own doll, she began browsing one of her mom's old American Girl magazines when Felicity caught her eye. Originally released in 1991, she was disappointed to discover the doll had been retired in 2019. Taking action, Kuhn contacted American Girl, asking the company to reintroduce Felicity and expand her clothing line. Much to her surprise, American Girl responded, telling her that if enough people voice the same concerns they will consider bringing back the doll and her clothing line. "Honestly, it was shocking because they haven't responded for like a month and a half or something. When I got the letter back it was really surprising," said Kuhn. "She came running into the classroom with the letter and wanted me to read it," said Kuhn's STEAM Teacher Tonya Thorbahn. "She was super excited, it was awesome." Determined and set on her goal, Kuhn began brainstorming how to get enough signatures to capture American Girl's attention. With the help of Thorbahn, she launched a petition gathering signatures from classmates, parents, and teachers. Thorbahn reached out to lawyer Sean Abbott who helped Kuhn organize her petition. "With the culture that we have here in this classroom, we really want students to take ownership of their own learning," said Thorbahn. "It was super exciting to see." With Thorbahn's advice, she gathered signatures at a Chamberlin Hill Family Picnic. Even those with no knowledge of the discontinued American Girl doll signed Kuhn's petition, eager to support her cause. Others shared fond memories of their American Girl dolls from their childhood and were more than happy to help. Over the course of the summer, she continued to receive signatures from the community and her fellow students, receiving around 300 signatures. Thorbahn said Kuhn's dedication to this project showcases her leadership and commitment to advocating for things she's passionate about. "She has just become so confident as a learner," said Thorbahn. "She has a deeper understanding of the world around her. How many kids can say that they've gone around getting signatures for a petition? I just think that she is this next generation of learners that we have in front of us. I'm excited to see what Callie does next." For Kuhn, she said others shouldn't be afraid to make a difference. "When you see a problem, don't just wait it out and see if somebody else will do it," said Kuhn. "Do it yourself." Currently awaiting an update from American Girl, Kuhn's efforts have made a remarkable impact on leadership both in her school and in the community.