Congressman Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) announced that local St. Pete student Oliver Hess will be his guest for next Tuesday's Presidential Address before a Joint Session of Congress. Hess, an 8th grader from Shorecrest Preparatory School in St. Petersburg, is helping a Syrian refugee family fleeing persecution resettle in Florida as part of his school’s annual “passion project.” Oliver’s work was highlighted in a letter he sent to Congressman Crist recently on the subject, expressing concern that the current political environment might hamper his efforts to help a Syrian family in need.
"Young Mr. Hess is setting an example for all of us, that for our country to continue to be great, we must also continue to be a beacon of hope and light to rest of the world. For refugees seeking asylum from war and terror, America is often their only hope," said Crist. "I commend Oliver's conscientiousness, and commitment to freedom and justice. I look forward to having him join me in Washington next week to bring greater attention to helping refugees in need."
In his letter to Congressman Crist, Mr. Hess wrote, "While choosing what to do for my project, I decided I was not going to do a something that benefited me alone. After hearing the terrible conditions in Syria, especially, the besieged city of Aleppo, I decided I wanted to help resettle a Syrian refugee family here in Florida. The countless families being denied a better life and a safe future is devastating to me. If I can help just one family, I know how much that family will give back to the United States."
"I hope that we as citizens of the United States can continue to help refugees come to our 'Nation of Immigrants'," Hess further noted. "The lives of thousands of immigrants and the soul of our nation depend on our continued efforts."
