[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.

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