Foster Youth Shadows Congressman Petri

U.S. Representative Tom Petri of Fond du Lac hosted Brittany Hernandez from Fond du Lac for the third annual “Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day.”  She joined nearly 70 foster youth and alumni from across the country who are traveling to Washington, DC to shadow Members of Congress to get a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of the House of Representatives.

Brittany (Brit) met with Congressman Petri in his Washington office where she shared her experience in the Wisconsin foster system as well as her future goal of attending Boston University for graduate school.  Brit accompanied Congressman Petri to a meeting with the Canadian Ambassador to discuss issues of interest between our two counties and a meeting with other Members of Congress to discuss several issues that are before the House of Representatives.

“It was great to meet and talk with Brit as a part National Foster Care Month,” said Petri.  “She is truly a success story that is all too often lost in the constant back and forth that many young people experience in the foster system.  I’m glad she had the opportunity to come to Washington, D.C. and learn about government first-hand.  I wish her the best of success in the future.”

Brit also shared with Rep. Petri her dedication to social media.  She tweeted a ‘happy birthday’ message to Congressman Petri Thursday before their meeting: “Happy Birthday Congressman Tom Petri! Can’t wait to meet you tomorrow so we can work together to shape the foster care system #ShadowDay2014”