Celebrating Our Summer Readers
I recently had the opportunity to recognize students from across the 45th Senate District who participated in my Summer Reading Program.
These young readers were challenged to read eight books over the summer. Those who completed the challenge earned a certificate of recognition from the Illinois Senate and an invitation to celebrate with my staff and me over some ice cream.
This year, I was thrilled to have well over 100 students participate!
We kicked off our celebration at the Lincoln-Douglas Debate Square in Freeport, where I had the chance to meet our young readers, congratulate them, and present them with their certificates. It was also great to meet so many of their parents and families who are encouraging a love of reading and helping set their children up for success.
Of course, we couldn’t finish the celebration without the best part. We stopped by Union Dairy in Freeport, where everyone got to enjoy some well-earned ice cream!
I want to thank all of the parents, families, and educators throughout our district who encouraged students to participate. Developing a love of reading at a young age can have a lasting impact, and I am proud that this program gives our kids another reason to pick up a book over the summer.
Congratulations again to all of our young readers! I look forward to doing it all again next summer, and I hope everyone keeps reading throughout the year.
Young Artists Invited to Celebrate America’s 250th
As our nation prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, I am excited to give young artists throughout the 45th Senate District an opportunity to show what America means to them.
Beginning September 1, I am hosting an art contest open to 1st through 8th grade students at schools throughout the 45th Senate District. This year’s theme is celebrating the 250th birthday of our nation, and I am looking forward to seeing our students express their creativity and pride in our country.
Students have plenty of room to be creative. Artwork could highlight what makes them proud of their community, what our state symbols or emblems mean to them, or what they believe makes America special, including our freedoms, parks, cities, farmland, voting, and more.
Artwork may be up to 8 by 10 inches and can be created using markers, colored pencils, watercolors, oil pastels, or mixed media. Each submission must include the student’s name, school name, and art teacher’s name. Entries can be emailed to LYates@sgop.ilga.gov or mailed or dropped off at my district office.
The deadline to submit artwork is October 30, with winners selected on November 2. Winning artwork will be framed and displayed in my district office, and the winning piece from each grade level will also be displayed at the Illinois State Capitol during Veto Session, November 17-20. Every student who participates will receive a certificate of recognition.
America’s 250th birthday is an incredible milestone, and I cannot think of a better time to encourage our young people to think about what makes their community and country special. I hope parents, teachers, and schools throughout the 45th District will encourage their students to participate.
For questions or to confirm participation, please contact Lori at LYates@sgop.ilga.gov. I cannot wait to see what our talented young artists create!
Make Sure You’re Registered to Vote
With the general election approaching, I want to make sure residents of the 45th Senate District have the information they need to participate in the election process.
Whether you are registering for the first time, recently moved, or simply want to make sure your information is up to date, now is a good time to check your voter registration status.
To register to vote in Illinois, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Live in your election precinct for at least 30 days before Election Day.
- Be at least 18 years old by the date of the general election.
- Not be serving a sentence of confinement in a penal institution as a result of a conviction.
- Not claim the right to vote anywhere else.
Illinois residents have several options to register, including online, by mail, at their local election authority, at a DMV, or through an appointed registrar.
The deadline to register online is October 18.
If you need to register or would simply like to check your current registration status, you can do so through the Illinois Online Voter Registration Application.
I encourage everyone to make sure they understand the voting process, know the important deadlines, and have accurate registration information.
