Palatine woman picked to attend 'Mom Congress'

Parenting magazine has chosen a Palatine resident to represent Illinois at its inaugural Mom Congress on Education and Learning Conference.

Jennifer DeFranco, the president of the Stuart R. Paddock School PTA, will head to Washington D.C., next month to share success stories, challenges and concerns with 50 other moms as they work to improve the nation's schools.

"Illinois doesn't fall anywhere high when it comes to state report cards, so I'm eager to see how others function and perhaps we can follow their example," said DeFranco, who will receive round-trip airfare and a two-night hotel stay.

DeFranco had to write a 300-word essay and provide references as part of her application to the magazine.

In it, she discussed an anti-bully initiative she organized at Paddock School in 2008 after seeing more and more cliques forming. She brought an anti-bullying advocate to speak to students about her experiences as a victim, and local legislators presented a proclamation to show their support.

DeFranco also wrote about her volunteer work as a soccer coach and Girl Scouts troop leader, as well as being elected chair of membership marketing for the Illinois PTA.

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan is one of several education and advocacy leaders scheduled to address the delegates at Georgetown University. He'll discuss the crucial role parents play in improving the country's school system.

The Mom Congress will also work to create a Lesson Plan for Change, which is a guide to help empower parents nationwide to get more involved in their children's education.