U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-1st dist.) recognized the recent high school graduates who participated in his Congressional Student Ambassador Task Force. In the final months of the school year, the task force moved its meeting platform to an online forum due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Congressional Student Ambassador Task Force was assembled at the beginning of the 2019 school year with the assistance of the Pennsylvania State Education Association. Over the 2019-2020 academic year, the students were tasked with addressing key issues facing the nation and finding solutions to these problems. Meetings would consist of open discussions, Q&A’s and student presentations. Beyond the regularly scheduled meetings, the congressman organized and hosted a trip to Washington, D.C., where the students had the opportunity to sit on the House floor, visit FBI headquarters and tour the Capitol.
“As future leaders in our country, you helped me understand perspectives of the next generation, and bring them to Washington to ensure that today’s laws work for all generations. Each one of us experiences our world a little differently, and it is important to understand multiple perspectives,” Fitzpatrick wrote in a letter to the graduating members. “As you graduate from high school, I congratulate you on this achievement and all the hard work and determination that it represents. Your family, friends and community have helped you achieve this milestone, and will continue to support you as you chart your path in the world.”
The following students participated in the task force and are graduating:
Cassie Rodrique (Souderton High School, American University); Mitchell Shapiro (Central Bucks East, Drexel); Alexis Bamford (North Penn, American); Jason Turner (Pennsbury, New York University); Kevin Flynn (Harry S. Truman, Holy Family); Cooper Feiner (George School, University of Pittsburgh); Michael Minkovsky (Council Rock South, Drexel); Rachel Rubins (North Penn, Franklin & Marshall); Weston Emery (Central Bucks East, Southern Methodist University); Kelly Meinert (Central Bucks East, Temple); Justin Hartwig (Central Bucks East, Williams College); Danny Heinrichs (Central Bucks East, Northeastern); Joseph Lock (Quakertown); Valentina Waschbusch (New Hope-Solebury, University of Miami); Cate de Hoogh (Central Bucks East, University of Pittsburgh); Tarang Tondapu (Central Bucks South, University of Michigan); Taha Ahmad (Bensalem, Amherst); Michael Alberto (Central Bucks East); Daniel Bragen (William Tennent); Stephen Daniels (Council Rock North); Genevieve Gilliam (Archbishop Wood); Nicholas Gribbon (Pennsbury); and Alexandra Kaiser (Palisades). ••
