WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Greg Stanton (AZ-04) was joined by Hermosa Vista Elementary School teacher Juanita Hernandez for King Charles III’s address to Congress.
The address came as the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of American independence, a milestone that honors the nation's founding and the enduring principles of liberty, equality, and democracy. The moment also underscored the "shared heritage and enduring friendship" between the United States and the United Kingdom.
Hernandez, a 27-year veteran educator with Mesa Public Schools, has dedicated her career to helping young students better understand American history and civic responsibility, fostering a deeper appreciation for the nation's past and its democratic values. She was recently selected as a Teacher Scholar recipient at the 13th annual Premier Conference on the American Revolution in Richmond, Virginia — a fully funded honor awarded through the Foundation for America's History to educators who actively seek to deepen their knowledge of the Revolutionary War era and bring those lessons back to their students.
King Charles III's address was the first by a British monarch to a joint meeting of Congress since Queen Elizabeth II addressed lawmakers in 1991. His visit to Washington highlighted the longstanding alliance between the United States and the United Kingdom, as well as shared commitments to democracy, education, and global cooperation.