Caption by Ashmar Mandou

Hundreds of parent mentors, educators, and supporters came together for the 2016 Statewide Parent Mentor graduation on Friday at Gage Park High School. This celebration was a moment to recognize the achievements of the parent mentors who have committed themselves to becoming advocates within the CPS education system. Graduates of the Parents Mentor program serve as assistants in the classroom working in 70 low-income schools in communities across the state of Illinois. Amid the funding constraints, parents more than ever have vowed to continue their fight for funding and to make sure students receive adequate help in the classrooms. At the graduation ceremony were school principals, members of the Chicago Teachers Union Foundation, funders, and state legislators including Senator Martin Sandoval.