Rep Bowman Invites Rye Student As Virtual Guest to Biden Speech

RYE, NY — Rep. Jamaal Bowman has invited a Rye High School student, who co-founded the Rye High School Vaccine Hotline, to be his virtual guest to President Joe Biden’s Joint Address to Congress on Wednesday.

Rye freshman Maddy Walsh is being honored for her role in organizing a group of students dedicated to helping seniors access vaccine appointments through a hotline phone bank. The hotline is credited with helping more than 70 senior citizens in the region to secure appointments since February.

Bowman said he had hoped to invite Walsh in person but coronavirus safety protocols mean this year’s in-person attendance at the speech will be limited. The congressman said he still felt it was important to recognize constituents who are doing good works in the region - even if it is through a computer screen.

“Our district was the epicenter of New York’s fight against COVID-19 this time last year,” Bowman said in a statement announcing Walsh’s formal invitation. “With a new administration and leadership, the American Rescue Plan is delivering shots in arms, money in pockets, children in schools and people in jobs. Americans like Maddy Walsh are the true heroes of this recovery, and I am proud to uplift them as my virtual guest to the Presidential Address.”

SEE ALSO: Bowman To Deliver Working Families Party Response To Biden Speech

Jamaal Bowman will deliver the Working Families Party's response to President Biden's Joint Address to Congress. His speech will be live-streamed through a media partnership with NowThis.

Walsh says she will watch the speech at home with her family in Rye. She pointed out that the honor of being invited as the lawmaker’s guest is shared with her classmates who co-founded the vaccine hotline.

“It is a true honor to represent our group at such a prestigious event,” Walsh said. “The four founding members, Geoffrey, Della, Hannah, and I, were inspired to help local seniors obtain vaccine appointments knowing how difficult it was for many to navigate the system. All of the positive feedback from the callers made our hard work completely worth the effort.”