Like high school seniors across the country, I’m disappointed and sad that I don’t have the chance to complete my senior year with my classmates and teachers.
The novel “fun” of being at home has ended. I would rather be at school, doing what most seniors do during the final weeks of high school. Our class will miss out on college signing night, a scavenger hunt downtown, senior night and prom. I’m sad to miss these moments, since the few friends I have are going to be moving away to school outside Chicago. I honestly just wanted a normal senior year.
Graduation is something we look forward to, and it feels like others don’t understand its importance to us. The Class of 2020 won’t get to celebrate with our friends and families. Unfortunately, the pandemic will be what people remember — not our hard work and success.
During this time, internet access is super important. It allows us to stay connected, learn outside the classroom, and, when possible, celebrate with our classmates.
The mayor has announced that we’re having a citywide “virtual” graduation, but people who don’t have internet access will feel very disconnected, not able to attend something meant to help them feel appreciated. Internet access is important, for this event in particular and also in general.
Evelyn Mendoza, Back of the Yards
Read Evelyn's Letter to the Editor in the Chicago Sun-Times.
Learn more about Chicago's digital divide in our issue brief, and sign up to get involved.
A Day of Advocacy: EBF Funding Rally in Springfield
Over 150 advocates from across Illinois–including more than 40 dedicated parents and students from Kids First Chicago–converged on Springfield to champion an increase in the Evidence-Based Funding (EBF) formula to at least $550 million.
The Case for Compensating Chicago School Board Members
Lorena Lopez and Consuelo Martinez, both members of Kids First Chicago’s Parent Advisory Board and Elected School Board Task Force who also serve on Local School Councils, share a compelling argument to compensate Chicago's elected school board members.
Funding Illinois' Future Responds to Governor's Budget Proposal, Claiborne Wade Weighs In
Published originally by Funding Illinois' Future coalition on Feb. 23, 2024.