WEB EXCLUSIVE: US Rep. Vela educates students about congressional role

Congressman Filemon Vela is seen reading from a pop-up book to first grade students at Dr. Raul Garza, Jr. Elementary School in San Benito on Wednesday. (Photo by Joe Bocanegra)

Congressman Filemon Vela is seen reading from a pop-up book to first grade students at Dr. Raul Garza, Jr. Elementary School in San Benito on Wednesday. (Photo by Joe Bocanegra)

By JOE BOCANEGRA
Special to the NEWS

Congressman Filemon Vela visited with the students and staff of Dr. Raul Garza, Jr. Elementary School in San Benito on Wednesday morning.

The visit was to introduce him to the students as well as offer a brief lesson in the government process.

“I think it’s important to educate students to the governmental process,” Vela said.

The presentation was in two parts, the first occurring in the school library with fourth and fifth grade classes. In it, Vela quizzed the students about the government, the founding fathers of the United States and the electoral voting procedure, including the presentation of a small video detailing the history of the United States Capitol.

Vela then visited a first-grade classroom and read from a pop-up book with the kids, also about the Capitol.

“We loved it,” said School Principal Elsa Lambert. “It was such an honor for him to visit the campus and the students.”

She further remarked that the children enjoyed the visit as well.

“You can see that the kids were excited to see him and to participate with him,” Lambert said. “It shows them that someone from the Valley can rise up to such a high office, and hopefully will inspire them to do the same.”

Vela agrees.

“One of my roles as a congressman,” Vela said, “is to make sure and educate them as to what my role in government is, and also hopefully to inspire so that they understand that no matter where they come from, if they work hard and study hard they can accomplish their dreams.”

The congressman also plans on assisting the education committee by improving No Child Left Behind (NCLB).

“It’s going to be a challenge,” Vela said. “As the year progresses, I’ll be able to talk to local educators more about it as the time comes.”

Whether he will visit the campus again is up to him, according to Lambert.

“We did invite him back anytime he wants,” she said. “But seeing that he is just starting his career in congress, it might be a while before he comes back.”

This story will also be published in the Feb. 3 edition of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.

Permanent link to this article: https://www.sbnewspaper.com/2013/01/30/web-exclusive-us-rep-vela-educates-students-about-congressional-role/

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