Emma Bonifield of Eagle Harbor High School attended the Summer Advocacy Institute in Washington, D.C., an annual program hosted by the American Civil Liberties Union that gives rising junior and senior high school students the tools they need to engage in their communities on issues around civil liberties and civil rights.

The weeklong institute was held July 18 through July 25.

Participating students received first-hand learning experience from lawyers, lobbyists, community activists and other experts dedicated to defending these constitutional rights.

Bonifield was among 1,000 students — the largest class ever — from every state in the country for the opportunity to engage with lawyers and political activists on social justice, to build expertise and knowledge in advocacy, to participate in debates, and to develop successful media and social networking strategies, while observing policy development on Capitol Hill.

Students participated in classroom sessions, lectures, daily debates, workshops, and meetings with elected officials and congressional staff.

The week culminated with a lobby day on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, July 24, where the young activists were able to speak with their members of Congress about the family separation crisis and reuniting immigrant families. A rally followed in front of the Capitol.