Mesa teacher gets Congressional invite for King Charles ceremony

PHOENIX – Mesa teacher Juanita Hernandez joined Arizona U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton as his guest Tuesday for King Charles III’s address to Congress, putting an Arizona educator at the center of a ceremony marking the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Charles was in Washington as part of a four-day U.S. visit meant to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence and reinforce ties between the United States and the United Kingdom at a time of strain in the relationship.

He met with President Donald Trump at the White House before delivering his address.

Hernandez, a 27-year veteran of Mesa Public Schools who teaches at Hermosa Vista Elementary School, was invited for her work helping students learn American history and civic responsibility.

“(Hernandez) 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,” said Stanton’s office in a news release.

The release noted that Charles’ visit was meant to underscore the “shared heritage and enduring friendship” between the U.S. and the United Kingdom.

King Charles’ address was the first by a British monarch to a joint meeting of Congress since Queen Elizabeth II addressed lawmakers in 1991.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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