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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