Grace | High School Senior Lobbyist at Illinois State Capitol

Grace truly lives up to her name and has already made a huge impact on the world around her as a senior in high school.

For months, she worked hard to get a bill passed through the Illinois state legislature. You see, Grace’s dad was a firefighter and was badly injured (almost fatally) on the job. Every year thereafter, her dad was forced to relive the trauma through a mandatory screening by a doctor. Grace found this as an unnecessary added agony to an already traumatic experience. She said that it sets the individual back in their road to recovery both physically and emotionally. So she had had enough.

She wrote a bill (and re-wrote a bill once the first one needed major tweaks), and after months of driving from Gibson City to Springfield 2-3 times per week, her bill finally passed in the House of Representatives. It was a major win for Grace, her dad, and their family. But she didn’t stop there! Grace is currently working on getting another bill passed.

She’s also finishing up her high school coursework (she’s homeschooled), and plans to get her EMT certification this summer before continuing on with her Parkland classes in Champaign. Eventually she wants to go into the medical field or law (and maybe both!). I am excited to watch her journey into adulthood and see all the great things that she is sure to accomplish! Congrats, Grace!!