East Valley student invited to State of the Union

East Valley high school student is heading to our nation's capital next week to hear the president speak .

She'll be the guest of Congressman Raul Ruiz for this year's State of the Union address on February 4th.

Elizabeth Esteban, 16 year old, junior at Desert Mirage High School, strives to be the first generation in her family to achieve higher education.

" it didn't get attention until some student fainted and got into them affected them seriously and we weren't safe inside the classrooms."

She's also being recognized by Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz for being an activist in the East Valley.

"I didn't imagine being in this position, this honorable position and have the opportunity to go to Washington D.C.," said Esteban.

Esteban grabbed the attention of Dr. Raul Ruiz with this handwritten letter in it, she explains her community's challenges like health concerns when mulch fires broke out last fall.

In the letter she writes, "This shouldn't be the living conditions for students and kids."

"It didn't get attention until some student fainted and got into them affected them seriously and we weren't safe inside the classrooms," said Esteban.

Esteban says her list of concerns hasn't stopped.

"The water issue going on in Avenue 70 because they are struggling alot. They don't have water which is the most simplest thing you can provide for a human," said Esteban.

Her advocacy also being recognized by Coachella Valley's School District Superintendent, Dr. Maria Gandera, making a statement to News Channel 3.

“We are very excited that our student is being afforded a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit Washington D.C. and attend a State of the Union Address with Congressman Dr. Ruiz,” Dr. Maria G. Gandera, the Coachella Valley Unified District Superintendent said. “Elizabeth is passionate about being an activist for issues she cares about and this trip will allow her to see the process in action. We look forward to seeing the amazing things Elizabeth will accomplish in the future.”

And Dr. Raul Ruiz also making a statement about inviting Elizabeth to be his guest.

“I am very proud of Elizabeth and so excited to have her as my guest at the State of the Union,” Dr. Ruiz said. “She is an incredible student leader at Desert Mirage High School and an effective advocate for environmental justice for our communities. She is on the path to greatness.”