Rep. Fernandez visits San Luis High School
Students at San Luis High School (SLHS) got a chance to speak with state Rep. Charlene Fernandez (D-Yuma) this month as part of the Take Your Legislator to School Program.
The program is a collaborative initiative by the Arizona Education Foundation, Arizona Educators Association and Arizona K12 Center. A Yuma Union High School District (YUHSD) news release shows that the program serves to invite legislators to visit schools for students to have a voice in politics.
During the visit, Fernandez discussed current SLHS operations and news, including the school’s 0.51 percent dropout rate, college-bound percentages, school safety and certified staff members among other topics, YUHSD officials say.
In addition, members of the student council and students in government courses had the opportunity to ask Fernandez questions concerning community and political involvement, education, industry, and healthcare access, the release shows.
Fernadez was born and raised in Yuma County. YUHSD officials said students were able to learn more about state topics, as well as understand the goals of their representative and the “journey she went (through) to get to where she is today.”
“There’s people out there that want to help you,” Fernandez reportedly told the group. “If someone wants to help you, let them. If someone offers to help you to loosen the load….let them.”
The release states that Fernandez worked with Ed Pastor and the YUHSD Board. Officials with YUHSD say during the visit Fernandez touched on the importance of students being involved in their school and community.
“Young people are very much a vital part of any campaign because it’s about you,” Fernandez said in a statement. “It’s not about me.”