Local student will hear president talk

A lucky fifth grade student in Laredo will be at the nation’s capital today to see President Barack Obama give the State of the Union Address.

Luis Castañeda, who attends Cuellar Elementary School, will be hosted by U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar.

He was selected through an essay competition in which the first line of his paper stated: “Going to Washington, D.C. with Dr. Henry Cuellar will be the highlight of my life.”

Cuellar will cover the airfare and hotel accommodations for Luis and his mother, Sylvia, in Washington, D.C.

“For the sake of our nation’s future, it is important to open doors for young people,” Cuellar said. “Exposure to experiences they would not have otherwise helps the younger generations learn and grow.

“It is even more important when experiences such as these greatly enhance what is being taught in the classrooms. I encourage adults to create educational opportunities for growth and I encourage young people to seek out and take them.”

Luis and his mother will be meeting Cuellar today in Washington, D.C. The young guest will find himself among an exclusive group consisting of federal representatives and senators during Obama’s speech.

On Wednesday, he will visit and explore historic sites in the nation’s capitol.