May 02, 2022

Casten to Host Press Availability Congratulating “Rock- Star” Teacher and 5th Grade Class on their Successful Advocacy for Dolostone to be Named Illinois’ First State Rock

***For Planning Purposes***

Contact: Emilia.Rowland@mail.house.gov 330-212-2065

On-site contact:

clare.jennings@mail.house.gov

414-587-8867

ADVISORY FOR TUESDAY MAY 3RD AT 1 PM CT:

Casten to Host Press Availability Congratulating "Rock- Star" Teacher and 5th Grade Class on their Successful Advocacy for Dolostone to be Named Illinois' First State Rock

(Burr Ridge, IL) - On Tuesday, May 3rd at 1:00 PM (CT) Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) will meet with Jennifer Lauermann and her 5th grade class at Pleasantdale Middle School to congratulate the students on their successful effort to give Illinois an official state rock.

During his visit, Congressman Casten will discuss with the 5th grade students how a bill becomes a law, celebrate the success of their advocacy work, and hear from the students on what inspired them to focus on the state rock. This will be followed by a Q+A session with the 5th graders.

Ms. Lauermann's class spent this past year studying rocks and meeting with geologists and other scientists throughout Illinois. When they discovered that Illinois did not have a state rock, they began an effort to officially choose a state rock. The students conducted a survey between Sandstone, Limestone, and Dolostone with over 1,200 people participating, including Congressman Casten who voted for Limestone. Ms. Lauermann's class officially recommended the winner, Dolostone, to be the new state rock, and urged Illinois and federal lawmakers to support their election.

Months after Rep. Casten spoke on the House floor (watch here) both houses of the Illinois General Assembly passed a proposal to make the Dolostone Illinois' first state rock and sent it to Governor Pritzker on April 19th to be signed into law.

Casten speaks about state rock


WHO: Congressman Sean Casten

Jennifer Lauermann, 5th grade teacher at Pleasantdale Middle School

Ms. Lauremann's 5th grade science class

 

WHAT: Remarks from Congressman Casten and a student Q+A

WHEN: Tuesday, May 3rd at 1:00 PM CT

WHERE: Pleasantdale Middle School

7450 S Wolf Road

Burr Ridge, IL