Addison Trail junior gains firsthand experience about democratic process through volunteering with political campaigns

Top left: Addison Trail junior Erica Ly poses with Fox News political analyst Gianno Caldwell during the Lincoln Day Dinner in February. Top middle: Ly is pictured canvassing during her volunteer work on the campaign for Jitendra “JD” Diganvker, Republican candidate who sought election for Illinois’ 8th Congressional District in the U.S. House. Ly worked on his campaign from August 2018 until the election on Nov. 6, 2018. Top right: Ly helps Diganvker put up a sign during an event. Bottom: Ly is interviewed about her volunteer campaign work during a Voice of America (VOA) segment in September.

Addison Trail junior Erica Ly has always had a passion for learning about legislation and the democratic process, and this year she gained firsthand experience through working on political campaigns as part of Addison Trail social studies teacher LeVonne Cescolini-Boyer’s AP Government class.

From August 2018 until the election on Nov. 6, 2018, Ly worked on the campaign for Jitendra “JD” Diganvker, Republican candidate who sought election for Illinois’ 8th Congressional District in the U.S. House. As part of her responsibilities, Ly attended meetings and helped with canvassing and strategic planning. She said she was thrilled at this opportunity to become more informed about the candidates, parties and policies. She also participated in an interview with Voice of America (VOA) in September, and that segment can be viewed at https://www.voanews.com/a/illinois-voting/4625381.html.

“I learned so much more than just the basics through this experience,” Ly said. “Diganvker gave me advice and guidance and treated me as more than a volunteer – he got to know me as a person. He showed me no matter what you go through in life or what people think of you, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel and a way out. He’s incredibly supportive and inspirational.”

Ly also volunteered with Seth Lewis, Republican candidate who sought election to the Illinois State Senate to represent District 23. She was invited by Addison Township to attend the Lincoln Day Dinner in February at Drury Lane as well, where she met Fox News political analyst Gianno Caldwell.

“Volunteering on a campaign can be a tremendous opportunity,” Ly said. “You learn so much more than you could ever imagine – not just about politics, but life lessons as well. I’ve really learned how politics connect to my life and truly matter to our society and world. People my age often get their political information from their parents and friends, but they don’t really know about the parties or candidates. I encourage them to get informed, so they can make their own decisions.”

Along with her involvement in government, Ly has been part of Addison Trail’s National Honor Society, Girls Gymnastics Team, UNICEF Club and Theatre Crew. She also works at Dick’s Sporting Goods and previously worked at New China Mandarin Restaurant.

Ly plans to major in computer science and apply to Iowa State University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign or The University of Illinois at Chicago. She also wants to volunteer on more political campaigns in the future and is interested in running for a legislative office at the local level.