Local Student Council Presidents Get Audience With Their Legislators

It was a morning to remember for the eighth graders gathered for breakfast at Morgan Park Academy last Friday. 

The student council presidents from all the 19th Ward's elementary schools were here to hear from Ald. Matt O'Shea, State Sen. Bill Cunningham and State Rep. Fran Hurley. They talked about the importance of leadership and community. 

The students engaged in lively debates using real state legislature bills as jumping off points. It was an opportunity to use their public speaking and leadership skills while engaging with peers. 

"I liked meeting new people and other students," said Rachel Bullock, a student at Keller.

Hurley was impressed by the students' ability to debate and engage on the issues. It was an impressive group of young people all gathered in one place, and as O'Shea was quick to point out, it was no accident they were joined by equally engaged parents.