HONORING THE TEACHERS OF CHICAGO HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS

On 2026-05-21, Representative Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL-3) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE TEACHERS OF CHICAGO HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS" in the House.

HONORING THE TEACHERS OF CHICAGO HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026)] [House] [Pages H3675-H3676] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE TEACHERS OF CHICAGO HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS (Mrs. Ramirez of Illinois was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the educators of Chicago High School for the Arts, known across our city as ChiArts, located in Illinois' Third. As Chicago's first and only public arts high school, ChiArts develops the next generation of diverse artists, while preparing our students with the comprehensive education for the next steps in their life. The teachers of ChiArts believe that the arts belong to everyone, regardless of background, ZIP Code, or status. Thanks to their leadership and thanks to their organizing, ChiArts remains open today. Like many public schools around the country, ChiArts faced the threat of closure last year, but it was the teachers who organized the Save ChiArts [[Page H3676]] campaign, alongside parents and community leaders, to protect this gem in our community. Today, as ChiArts faces new threats to its unique existence, teachers and parents are organizing to protect their school: a center where our young artists can grow, our young artists can learn, guided by teachers and artists who believe in the power of art to bring our communities together. On behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, it is my sincere honor to commend the ``teachers,'' ``maestras'' of ChiArts for their unwavering commitment to Chicago's young people and to public, quality education for all. ``We continue in the struggle''; ``Seguimos en la lucha.'' Honoring Marcos Ceniceros Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Marcos Ceniceros for his unwavering commitment to labor rights, racial and economic justice, and workers' solidarity. Born and raised in Chicago by immigrant parents from Mexico, Marcos witnessed firsthand the struggles and resilience of working-class families fighting for a better life. It was these early experiences that motivated his 15 years of organizing for social and economic justice. As a campaign organizer of the Grassroots Collaborative and a community organizer with the Brighton Park Neighborhood Council, Marcos organized with young people and community members to defend their immigrant communities, expand access to education, deliver government budgets that center working people, and build community power. Today, Marcos serves as the executive director of Warehouse Workers For Justice, where he organizes with warehouse workers across Illinois to win safer workplaces, fair wages, and dignity on the job. Marcos' leadership reminds us of the power of solidarity. On behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, it is my privilege to commend Marcos Ceniceros for his dedication to building working people's power across our intersections. ``Long live the working families and our immigrant communities''; ``Que vivan los trabajadores siempre, que vivan los inmigrantes.'' Mr. Speaker, I thank and congratulate Marcos. Recognizing Sonia Cortez Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Sonia Cortez, whose career and leadership have reshaped our school communities in Illinois' Third Logan Square community. As a young girl in Puerto Rico, Sonia learned at an early age the transformational power of education. After moving to Logan Square, she saw firsthand how systemic and persistent inequities in schools left so many students without the resources and support that they need to be able to thrive. Rather than accepting those circumstances, Sonia changed them. You see, for over 20 years, Sonia served as the parent mentor coordinator with Palenque LSNA, training parents to become partners in their schools, advocates in their communities, and leaders in education. Today, more than 30 parent mentors have earned their teacher assistant licenses, with 20 currently serving at Avondale-Logandale School, supporting the growth and the development of our community students. Last week, Sonia graduated her last class of parent mentors, marking a significant milestone in a long and impactful career that has changed lives, reshaped educational opportunities, and demonstrated the power of community in Logan Square and beyond. On behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, it is my honor to recognize the remarkable legacy of Sonia Cortez for decades of mentorship, leadership, and community building that have reshaped Logan Square and the city of Chicago. ``Thank you and congratulations''; ``gracias y felicitaciones,'' Sonia. ____________________