In what amounted to a gymnasium-sized "pep talk," Rep. Robert Menendez (D-13th Dist.) joined a panel of Hudson County Executives, members of the Union City Board of Commissioners and Mayor Brian Stack in speaking to a contingent of Union City parents and their children last week.
Representatives from the Union City-based "Save Latin America" organization were also on hand to speak at the proceedings.
The seminar, entitled "A Time to Thank our Parents, Grandparents and Guardians in Finding a Way to Help our Children Reach Their Dreams" was, according to a recent press release, designed to "teach ways to help children reach their full potential." It was held at Emerson High School.
In an interview before the start of the seminar, Congressman Menendez said, "I am happy to accept the request for me to be here. One of the most powerful alliances we have is between parents and public schools. I simply say, my experience is their [the people of Union City’s] experience. I went to school here, I lived in a tenement here, and because of education, I have risen to the level I have."
Menendez is the Vice-Chair of the United States Democratic Caucus, making him the highest-ranking Hispanic in Congress and the third highest-ranking Democrat in Congress. He was elected to this position in mid-November.
Menendez said, "Save Latin America" has asked me [to speak] on more than one occasion, and speaking to young people is very important to our country. Anything I can do to bring parents and students together is something I am always willing to do."
Beginning the seminar proved to be easier said than done, as many of those present for the speeches were in the "5 and under" bracket and found playing tag under the bleachers a much more diverting activity than listening to the assembled politicos. At times, it was difficult to hear the speeches as some members of the audience members had conversations throughout the event.
Still, the seminar brought out a good number of seemingly concerned parents and guardians, eager to hear what the speakers had to say.
Many of the speakers addressed the audience in Spanish only, with a small number speaking in both Spanish and English.
Congressman Menendez was welcomed to a standing ovation, the assembled crowd recognizing the powerful politician as "one of their own."
Said Menendez in the English part of his speech, "I am glad you’re here, as it is a sign of how concerned you are with your children’s future."
Added Menendez, "I was the first person in my family to go to college. It all started here in Union City. Anything is possible with education."
Getting to the crux of why the seminar was being held in the first place, Menendez said, "The schools need you to be involved, your children need you to be involved. The schools need to you to read to your child. Even after you’ve worked a long day in a factory. We can make a better education for our children!"
At this point, the audience erupted in applause, quieting down only when the Congressman addressed them in Spanish.
Assistant Superintendent of Schools Stanley Sanger stressed the importance of a "collaborative effort" between parents and schools. "The effort of everyone here is for the most important part of our society- our children," he said. He added that he wanted to "…thank all you parents, all adult education students and teachers because you have taken the time to help our students be the best they can be. The Union City Board of Education realizes that the involvement of parents almost guarantees that students will be successful."
Union City Mayor Brian Stack addressed the audience. "This is about a partnership," he said. "I had parents that looked after me and at times as a young man I thought, ‘Boy, they won’t leave me alone,’ but now I am asking you to do the same and look over their shoulder. You must become involved in your children’s education."
The rising problem of dropout rates amongst Latino students was addressed by Assemblyman Rafael Fraguela. Said Fraguela, "The dropout rate among Hispanics is very high. It is up to us to move forward and do what we have to do to solve this problem."