Alyssa attends a Rally in Springfield, IL to show support for the MAP grant. 300 students from DePaul travelled on October 15, 2009. Alyssa and Roommate pose for a picture with Gov. Quin.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Map Grant Rally in Springfield, IL October,2009
Alyssa attends a Rally in Springfield, IL to show support for the MAP grant. 300 students from DePaul travelled on October 15, 2009. Alyssa and Roommate pose for a picture with Gov. Quin.
Minority Business Expo.
The Minority Business Expo was held at the Matteson Holiday Inn this September, 2009. Alyssa poses with Mr. Stroger after he addressed the audience. Mr. Hunnigan, Superintendent of Rich 227 congratulates Ms. Hernandez.
Spanish 5 Field Trip is attended by Board Member Alyssa and Students get a tour of DePaul, Lincoln Park Campus
In an effort to keep her promise to be a voice for the students Alyssa takes the invitation from Mrs. Cukierman to join on the Spanish 5 field trip. She was able to visit with this class early this year to explain the importance of taking AP courses and getting credit for college. At the end of the Spanish field trip she gave the students a tour of DePaul.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Rich East Comencement
http://www.enewspf.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7736:rich-east-holds-56th-commencement-exercises&catid=88888923&Itemid=88889536
Friday, May 22, 2009
District 227 article
http://www.southtownstar.com/neighborhoodstar/matteson/1584633,052109SD227supt.article
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Matteson President Ashmore sworn in
On May 4, 2009 Ms. Hernandez and campaign manager, Lydia Hernandez, attended the celebration for the newly sworn in President of Matteson at the Matteson Holiday Inn. In attendance was Richton Park President Reinbold, The Honorable George Skully, and Awri McGee of the MLI. The food, fellowship, and music was fabulous. Our sincere congratulations to all of the Matteson winners.
Ms. Hernandez thanks supporters of Rich Township
On Monday evening in her soccer uniform Alyssa attended the rich township board meeting. Highway Commissioner Jordan and other winners from the April 7, 2009 election were sworn in. Alyssa has received support from the rich township board and took the opportunity to congratulate and thank them for their support. Supervisor Al Riley was in attendance and will hopefully work with Alyssa in the future to serve the needs of the community.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Celebration
Join us at Rich East High on April 30, 2009 to experience the historic seating of Alyssa Hernandez to the district 227 school board. The board meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. After the meeting we will go to Beggars Pizza in Richton Park. At Beggars Pizza we will take the opportunity to personally thank all of you who were part of the movement to elect Alyssa. More information to follow.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
April 9, 2009
BY GUY TRIDGELL
Everything about Rich East senior Alyssa Hernandez screams "teenager."
She showed up for school Wednesday wearing a red hoodie, jeans and a small, subtle nose ring.
» Click to enlarge image
Rich East senior Alyssa Hernandez looks at congratulatory cards Wednesday made by her classmates after she won a seat on the Rich Township High School District 227 board. (Guy Tridgell/SouthtownStar)
RELATED STORIES• More Southland election coverage
She focused her day on making the school's blood drive a success and leading the student council through the end of the year. Thoughts of college in the fall bounced in the back of her head.
"I love it here," she said before ducking into physics class. "I am proud to say that."
But Hernandez is not just any student wandering the halls of her high school.
She's now calling the shots.
Voters in Rich High School District 227 gave Hernandez, 18, a seat on the school board on Election Day. By winning one of four open seats, the Park Forest resident became the youngest member of any school board in the Chicago area.
Jim Russell, associate executive director of the Illinois Association of School Boards, said the only other 18-year-old on a school board is in Dunlap, just outside of Peoria.
"It is very unusual," he said. "We've had a few run over the last couple of elections, but I wouldn't call it a trend."
The responsibility is a huge one.
The district includes three high schools. It stretches across Country Club Hills, Olympia Fields, Park Forest, Richton Park and Matteson.
There are the problems of plummeting test scores and funding shortfalls dogging almost all schools these days.
Hernandez, a self-described overachiever with a 4.1 grade-point average, insists she is ready.
"If you know me, it's not really that bizarre," she said. "I just knew I would have to work hard to win. But I still had no idea what I was getting myself into."
Her political career started with a conversation with some friends about how Rich East always seemed overlooked.
Rich South got its new cafeteria. Rich Central even got a new building. But none of those amenities were planned for the East campus in Park Forest.
Also, as a student liaison to the school board, Hernandez was getting the feeling some of its members were out of touch with the needs of the students.
So Hernandez collected enough signatures to appear on the ballot.
"As I got my petitions signed, it became very clear someone new was needed," she said. "People want to believe in public schools. Once I started talking to them, the idea of winning became very, very real."
Her mom, Lydia, was drafted as a campaign manager.
The strategy was to work hard in the areas with high voter turnouts.
The message: Rich High School District 227 still is a pretty good place to send your kids, even with nearby Catholic schools robbing many of the best and the brightest.
"It's like our schools are not even an option," she said. "I've received a great education here. I want our schools to be an option again.
"People need to know all of the good things that are happening at the schools. We have a lot of great students."
She quickly learned politics can be a contact sport, even for a suburban school board race.
One of the other candidates challenged her nominating petitions, alleging the signatures were bogus.
School boards also are infamous for their witch hunts to take out an administrator they don't like or a coach who got on the bad side of a group of parents. When some candidates say they are for the kids, you have to wonder.
Hernandez tried to stay out of the muck.
"We all want the same thing," she said. "We are all about making the best decisions for the students."
How do the teachers and the principal view her now?
Mark Kramer, Rich East's principal, said he was pulling for her - despite some misgivings.
"My concern is I still want her to be a college student," Kramer said. "In some ways, she is sacrificing her youth by doing this. But she is a mature soul."
Hernandez graduates May 17. She will attend DePaul University on scholarship to study public policy before embarking on a career in politics.
The voters have provided her with a running start.
Guy Tridgell can be reached at gtridgell@southtownstar.com or (708)633-5970
BY GUY TRIDGELL
Everything about Rich East senior Alyssa Hernandez screams "teenager."
She showed up for school Wednesday wearing a red hoodie, jeans and a small, subtle nose ring.
» Click to enlarge image
Rich East senior Alyssa Hernandez looks at congratulatory cards Wednesday made by her classmates after she won a seat on the Rich Township High School District 227 board. (Guy Tridgell/SouthtownStar)
RELATED STORIES• More Southland election coverage
She focused her day on making the school's blood drive a success and leading the student council through the end of the year. Thoughts of college in the fall bounced in the back of her head.
"I love it here," she said before ducking into physics class. "I am proud to say that."
But Hernandez is not just any student wandering the halls of her high school.
She's now calling the shots.
Voters in Rich High School District 227 gave Hernandez, 18, a seat on the school board on Election Day. By winning one of four open seats, the Park Forest resident became the youngest member of any school board in the Chicago area.
Jim Russell, associate executive director of the Illinois Association of School Boards, said the only other 18-year-old on a school board is in Dunlap, just outside of Peoria.
"It is very unusual," he said. "We've had a few run over the last couple of elections, but I wouldn't call it a trend."
The responsibility is a huge one.
The district includes three high schools. It stretches across Country Club Hills, Olympia Fields, Park Forest, Richton Park and Matteson.
There are the problems of plummeting test scores and funding shortfalls dogging almost all schools these days.
Hernandez, a self-described overachiever with a 4.1 grade-point average, insists she is ready.
"If you know me, it's not really that bizarre," she said. "I just knew I would have to work hard to win. But I still had no idea what I was getting myself into."
Her political career started with a conversation with some friends about how Rich East always seemed overlooked.
Rich South got its new cafeteria. Rich Central even got a new building. But none of those amenities were planned for the East campus in Park Forest.
Also, as a student liaison to the school board, Hernandez was getting the feeling some of its members were out of touch with the needs of the students.
So Hernandez collected enough signatures to appear on the ballot.
"As I got my petitions signed, it became very clear someone new was needed," she said. "People want to believe in public schools. Once I started talking to them, the idea of winning became very, very real."
Her mom, Lydia, was drafted as a campaign manager.
The strategy was to work hard in the areas with high voter turnouts.
The message: Rich High School District 227 still is a pretty good place to send your kids, even with nearby Catholic schools robbing many of the best and the brightest.
"It's like our schools are not even an option," she said. "I've received a great education here. I want our schools to be an option again.
"People need to know all of the good things that are happening at the schools. We have a lot of great students."
She quickly learned politics can be a contact sport, even for a suburban school board race.
One of the other candidates challenged her nominating petitions, alleging the signatures were bogus.
School boards also are infamous for their witch hunts to take out an administrator they don't like or a coach who got on the bad side of a group of parents. When some candidates say they are for the kids, you have to wonder.
Hernandez tried to stay out of the muck.
"We all want the same thing," she said. "We are all about making the best decisions for the students."
How do the teachers and the principal view her now?
Mark Kramer, Rich East's principal, said he was pulling for her - despite some misgivings.
"My concern is I still want her to be a college student," Kramer said. "In some ways, she is sacrificing her youth by doing this. But she is a mature soul."
Hernandez graduates May 17. She will attend DePaul University on scholarship to study public policy before embarking on a career in politics.
The voters have provided her with a running start.
Guy Tridgell can be reached at gtridgell@southtownstar.com or (708)633-5970
Meet Park Forest's Teen School Board Member
Meet Park Forest's Teen School Board Member
Alyssa Hernandez is a senior standout, athlete, student council president and now the youngest member of any Chicago-area school board.http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Meet_Park_Forest_s_Teen_School_Board_Member_Chicago.html
Alyssa Hernandez is a senior standout, athlete, student council president and now the youngest member of any Chicago-area school board.http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Meet_Park_Forest_s_Teen_School_Board_Member_Chicago.html
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Chicago Tribune link-
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-young-candidate-sw-zone-01apr01,0,5528281.story
please check out the article in the tribune about me!
please check out the article in the tribune about me!
Last Forum
Thank You so much Richton Park for inviting me to your forum. The citizens I have met through this process were incredible people. Each person has something to say and every voice is important. This election has opened my eyes and I am now better equipped to serve rich township. It has been an honor to meet the citizens of our GREAT community. May God bless us and look down on us with favor. Thanks -Alyssa Hernandez (vote 208)
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Alyssa is a MLI endorsed candidate
MLI Endorsed Candidates
Office
Ballot Number / Punch
Andre Ashmore
Village President
33
Dorothy Grisco
Village Clerk
34
Anthony Burton
Village Trustee
36
AJ Pearson
Village Trustee
38
Bridget Dancy
Village Trustee
43
Demetria Brown
School Board District 159
185
Cheryl Mallard
School Board District 159
187
Joseph Fondern
School Board District 159
184
Stacey Neat-Newby
School Board District 159
186
Brace Clement
School Board District 227
203
Alyssa Hernandez
School Board District 227
208
Office
Ballot Number / Punch
Andre Ashmore
Village President
33
Dorothy Grisco
Village Clerk
34
Anthony Burton
Village Trustee
36
AJ Pearson
Village Trustee
38
Bridget Dancy
Village Trustee
43
Demetria Brown
School Board District 159
185
Cheryl Mallard
School Board District 159
187
Joseph Fondern
School Board District 159
184
Stacey Neat-Newby
School Board District 159
186
Brace Clement
School Board District 227
203
Alyssa Hernandez
School Board District 227
208
Endorsement from Edwin Burnette
Finally a young adult who has proven leadership ability and knows what service really means. Alyssa Hernandez is a brilliant young woman who has been able to mix advocacy, passion and maturity rarely seen in public service. She has attended more school board meetings than most parents. Rich Township will make a huge step forward by electing her to the HSD #227 School Board.
Edwin A. Burnette
Rich Township HSD #227
Board Member 1988-2004
Past-President 1995-2003
Edwin A. Burnette
Rich Township HSD #227
Board Member 1988-2004
Past-President 1995-2003
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Bowling Party Success
We would like to thank everyone who came out to the Lakewood Bowl to celebrate the campaign of Alyssa Hernandez. We appreciate your support. Thank you and stay tuned for more exciting events.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Daughters of the American Revolution- Good Citizen Award
On February 7, 2009, Alyssa was awarded the Good Citizen of Sauk Trail Chapter award. This award was presented to her for 'having demonstrated the qualities of DEPENDABILITY, SERVICE, LEADERSHIP, and PATRIOTISM.' Senator Maggie Crotty of the 19th district also created a certificate of recognition including a resolution.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Stepping up by Casey Toner
stepping up
Rich East student setting political sights high
February 8, 2009
BY CASEY TONER Staff Writer
Of the many candidates running for the Rich Township High School District 227 school board, Alyssa Hernandez is the freshest face.
After all, Hernandez is still finishing up her senior year at Rich East High School, 300 Sauk Trail.
Rich East High School senior and student body president Alyssa Hernandez is running for the Rich Township High School District 227 board.Casey Toner, SouthtownStar
The 18-year-old Rich East student body president and political newcomer is running against board incumbents Sonya Norwood, Yvette Moten, Melonese Brookins and Betty Owens.
Also in the running for the four open seats are Maria Lehner, Paul Jasinevicius, Brace Clement, David Morgan and Doreen Wilkes. Each term lasts four years.
Hernandez said a discussion that came up during a world history class taught by Ryba Epstein inspired her to run for the office.
"People at Rich East feel like we're the stepchild" compared to other district schools, Hernandez said. "We're like 'Who makes these decisions?'"
Then she realized, as a registered voter and district resident, she could.
"I've always been interested in politics, and not just because of Barack Obama," Hernandez said. "I've always been saying I wanted to be the president since I was 2 years old."
Hernandez first entered the political fray in high school, and won the class presidency her freshman and sophomore years before being elected student body president this year.
She's hoping her achievements on the high school level translate to success on the district level. Preaching what she knows, many of her platforms are school-based.
"If you walk into a building and you don't feel safe, than that's an issue," Hernandez said. "That's somebody's job to clean the bathroom."
She also said she wants to make sure the district's three schools receive the same funding and attention from the school board no matter their demographics.
"What will work for one school will not work for another," Hernandez said.
Politics aside, Hernandez, who will be attending DePaul University in the fall, is an excellent student with a 4.1 grade point average. She's also a member of National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society.
She co-captains the school's scholastic bowl team, ran cross country, organized Operation Snowball and lettered in varsity soccer all four years.
"My coat is quite busy with all the things I've done," Hernandez said, pointing to the 'Presidential Fitness Award' patch stitched into her school jacket. "I call this one the 'I can kick your butt award.'"
Whether or not she kicks butt in politics is different matter, although she has an early edge, attending one school board meeting per month as the school board's Rich East student representative.
"I believe I've gone to more board meetings than most of the adults I know," Hernandez said.
She launched an election blog at www.joinalyssa.blogspot.com to generate name recognition and increase her electoral chances.
Closer to the election, she plans to work the commuter stations and launch a Facebook group to raise her candidacy's profile.
"The first and most important thing is getting out there and talking to people," Hernandez said.
Spoken like a seasoned politician.
Casey Toner can be reached at ctoner@southtownstar.com or (708) 802-8816.
Rich East student setting political sights high
February 8, 2009
BY CASEY TONER Staff Writer
Of the many candidates running for the Rich Township High School District 227 school board, Alyssa Hernandez is the freshest face.
After all, Hernandez is still finishing up her senior year at Rich East High School, 300 Sauk Trail.
Rich East High School senior and student body president Alyssa Hernandez is running for the Rich Township High School District 227 board.Casey Toner, SouthtownStar
The 18-year-old Rich East student body president and political newcomer is running against board incumbents Sonya Norwood, Yvette Moten, Melonese Brookins and Betty Owens.
Also in the running for the four open seats are Maria Lehner, Paul Jasinevicius, Brace Clement, David Morgan and Doreen Wilkes. Each term lasts four years.
Hernandez said a discussion that came up during a world history class taught by Ryba Epstein inspired her to run for the office.
"People at Rich East feel like we're the stepchild" compared to other district schools, Hernandez said. "We're like 'Who makes these decisions?'"
Then she realized, as a registered voter and district resident, she could.
"I've always been interested in politics, and not just because of Barack Obama," Hernandez said. "I've always been saying I wanted to be the president since I was 2 years old."
Hernandez first entered the political fray in high school, and won the class presidency her freshman and sophomore years before being elected student body president this year.
She's hoping her achievements on the high school level translate to success on the district level. Preaching what she knows, many of her platforms are school-based.
"If you walk into a building and you don't feel safe, than that's an issue," Hernandez said. "That's somebody's job to clean the bathroom."
She also said she wants to make sure the district's three schools receive the same funding and attention from the school board no matter their demographics.
"What will work for one school will not work for another," Hernandez said.
Politics aside, Hernandez, who will be attending DePaul University in the fall, is an excellent student with a 4.1 grade point average. She's also a member of National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society.
She co-captains the school's scholastic bowl team, ran cross country, organized Operation Snowball and lettered in varsity soccer all four years.
"My coat is quite busy with all the things I've done," Hernandez said, pointing to the 'Presidential Fitness Award' patch stitched into her school jacket. "I call this one the 'I can kick your butt award.'"
Whether or not she kicks butt in politics is different matter, although she has an early edge, attending one school board meeting per month as the school board's Rich East student representative.
"I believe I've gone to more board meetings than most of the adults I know," Hernandez said.
She launched an election blog at www.joinalyssa.blogspot.com to generate name recognition and increase her electoral chances.
Closer to the election, she plans to work the commuter stations and launch a Facebook group to raise her candidacy's profile.
"The first and most important thing is getting out there and talking to people," Hernandez said.
Spoken like a seasoned politician.
Casey Toner can be reached at ctoner@southtownstar.com or (708) 802-8816.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Thanks for the Support- The movement is now active thanks of you
Thank You Park Forest Rotary Club and Rich East Alumni Association for allowing me to speak at your meetings today. I look forward to working with you not only during the election but after the election as a board member. Your support in my endeavours is necessary and highly appreciated. Thanks again I look on with optimism to the future.-Alyssa Hernandez
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
The Movement
My name is Alyssa Hernandez and this year I have decided to run for Rich Township District 227 School Board. This may seem unique or even awkward to some because I am currently an 18 year old senior student at Rich East High School. It may seem crazy to some, but those that know me personally understand that this type of behavior is not uncommon for me. It is in my character to step up to a position if it available. I say with humor that the position in this case just so happens to be school board. I have so much passion for my community and this step seems naturally fitting. My intentions are pure, my willingness to learn, and to work hard are evident. I currently have a spot on the ballot for the April 7, 2009 election, however now the real work begins. This is hopefully the part where you come in. This election is real and huge; this means I have until Election Day to let every eligible voter in Rich Township know who I am and what I stand for. When this process is over and the final ballot is counted I will be a board member that sets herself to a higher standard. I can confidently say that each choice I make will be for the best of all stake holders this includes first and foremost students, teachers, staff, parents, community members, and businesses. There are signs to be posted, slogans to be created, and doors to be knocked on. These are things that I can not do alone. I am seeking people that are willing to join the movement, so that we can usher in a new era of service. If you are interested in becoming a vital part of this campaign please know that we are accepting donations of time and money. As in everything life has to offer there is initial cost to make “things” happen. You may contact the campaign via email at scoreprez09@yahoo.com, through telephone at (708) 845- 6948 or (708) 705-5208. If there is anyway that you can contribute to the new movement campaign you should. I promise that it will be worth your while. Please note that all suggestions will be taken into consideration, because after all this election is for you, the community. More information is soon to follow.
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