High School Students Address Immigration Issues in Community Project
Rafaela Palencia, Zaida Olvera, Joselyn Frias, and Jessica Cardenas, seniors at Waukegan High School and children of immigrants, have taken a stand on immigration enforcement as they participate in a civics project. The project, part of the annual Mikvah Challenge, encouraged students to advocate for issues they find significant and devise actionable plans to influence government policy.
Cardenas highlighted the troubling trend of federal immigration enforcement, stating that agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have been stopping individuals on the streets solely based on their appearance. “We want to put an end to illegal arrests,” she expressed. “We’re actively emailing decision-makers to fight against violent immigration arrests.”
More than 325 students from Waukegan High School, along with peers from North Chicago Community High School and Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, participated in this year’s Mikvah Challenge, showcasing over 110 projects at Waukegan High School’s Washington campus. The majority of participants hailed from Waukegan High School, with around 280 students engaged in various topics.
Ron Ashlow, a social studies teacher at Waukegan High and the event’s organizer, pointed out that students were asked to research issues important to them and devise strategies for change. Projects represented a wide range of topics, from immigration and environmental concerns to food insecurity and economic issues, all aimed at sparking meaningful dialogue within the community.
As the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Ashlow urged students to contemplate the significance of such a milestone. He emphasized the importance of action over mere awareness, asking participants, “What steps are you prepared to take?” This focus correlates with the ideals of Abner Mikvah, the project’s namesake.
Palencia drew connections between the immigration debate and American history, reminding attendees that many soldiers in the Revolutionary War were immigrants pursuing freedom. Reflecting on this legacy, she stated, “This is the land of the free. Our contributions have allowed others to live better lives, and freedom is essential for acquiring citizenship.”
Local Leaders Engage with Student Innovators
Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham expressed admiration for the students’ commitment to tackling local and national issues. He spent time reviewing their projects, noting, “These young men and women are passionate about supporting their community. They’re providing actionable solutions and gathering crucial data.”
Other students, such as Dasha Montoya, Jessel Escobar, Diana Torres, and Vanessa Guzman, also focused on immigration enforcement for their project. Torres indicated the injustice of ICE agents detaining individuals based solely on their ethnicity. “We aim to engage in dialogue with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to advocate for changes in their procedures,” Guzman added, highlighting their dedication to effecting policy change.
Though the students were unable to meet with DHS representatives during the event, they did engage with U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, who expressed enthusiasm for their involvement in civic issues. Schneider noted, “It’s a lesson in democracy effectively being put into practice. The passion and solutions these students provide are invaluable.”
In another noteworthy project, North Chicago Community High School students Kimberly Guerra and Quetzaly Astudillo tackled the lack of access to healthy food options in North Chicago. Guerra remarked on the absence of grocery stores in their city, asserting that many residents face barriers to healthy eating and suffer from related health issues. “A farmers market could significantly improve access to fresh produce,” Astudillo proposed.
North Chicago Mayor Leon Rockingham Jr. praised the students for their insights and commitment to the community’s health. He has long been advocating for a supermarket in the area and recognizes the importance of addressing food insecurity. “These students understand not just the need for a grocery store but also the implications of dietary choices on health,” he said, expressing his encouragement for their initiative.
As discussions like these unfold, the Mikvah Challenge remains a platform for empowered youth to explore critical issues facing their communities, showcasing the vital role they play in shaping informed and engaged citizens.
