Local congresswoman visits EPHS students virtually

U.S. Representative Delia Ramirez of Illinois’s 3rd congressional district held a virtual meet and greet with students from Social Studies Teacher Jackie Regnier’s classes. Rep. Ramirez spoke about her background and how she entered the world of politics. After speaking, the representative fielded questions students had prepared.

“The opportunity to interact with a public representative like Rep. Ramirez will undoubtedly inspire our students to continue speaking up for their beliefs and actively participate in the community,” said Regnier.

Ramirez was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 2018. In 2022, she was the first Midwestern Latina elected to Congress. One student, senior Mark Villarreal, has ambitions to go into the political sector and spoke to the congresswoman about being a Hispanic politician. 

“Me and my mother have always been into politics and it was such a monumental experience to be in a Zoom call with Delia,” said Villarreal.

Another student, Claire Doyle, asked Rep. Ramirez about a now-defunct student program called “The Presidential Classroom.” Originating in 1969, high school students from around the country traveled to the capital to learn how the government works. Doyle says she would like to see that program revived. 

“It was great, I really liked being able to connect with her face-to-face,” said Doyle, who has previously reached out to Ramirez’s office about the program. 

Thank you to Rep. Ramirez for spending time with our students!