On December 7, the junior class congregated in the library during graderoom to meet Parker parent and state representative, Kelly Cassidy. With the US History department teaching the grade about civil disobedience and social reform in the US, Cassidy fit the curriculum and was brought in to talk to the junior class. 

Kelly Cassidy is a democratic member of the Illinois House of Representatives; she represents the 14th district on Chicgo’s north side. Most notably, Cassidy was the chief sponsor of House Bill 1438 which made Illinois the first state to legalize the Adult-Use of Cannabis. Cassidy is also one of four openly LGBTQ+ memebers of the Illinois General Assembly and she was inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame in 2012. 

“I want students to know about the power of direct action and the various ways people can impact public policy through their actions,” Cassidy said, a couple days after the visit. She talked to the juniors about the importance of direct action and protesting issues in society. Cassidy is known for her unmoving stance on gay marriage and gun rights in Illinois and has been to numerous protests in her political career. 

“Engage at every level to ensure that your voices are heard and take cues from the young people entering politics now,” Cassidy said. She spoke about the importance of the new generation and how it can shape society for years to come. “They are making a huge impact and changing the perception of what public service and politics looks like.”

“The event was particularly meaningful for me given our family’s connection to Parker,” Cassidy said. She is a Parker parent, having two children in the junior class and a child who already graduated from Parker. “I honestly wish that all students could have the benefit of the kind of education that students at Parker experience. Our kids are incredibly fortunate to have this experience.”