Jason Collins And Boston Bombing Victim Among Michelle Obama’s State Of The Union Guests
var addthis_config = {“data_track_addressbar”:true};Jason Collins, a Boston bombing victim and the man who rescued him, an Oklahoma fire chief, a teenaged science prodigy, and a 2013 teacher of the year are among Michelle Obama’s invited guests who will be sitting with her at tomorrow night’s State of the Union address.
WATCH: At Press Conference, Obama Says ‘I’m Very Proud’ Of Jason Collins
Collins, a twelve-year NBA veteran, in April became America’s first gay male professional major league active team sports player to come out as gay.
The Daily News offers details about some of the guests:
Gary Bird, Moore, Okla.: Bird is the fire chief in Moore, Okla., which was hit by a massive tornado in May 2013. The tornado killed 25 people and destroyed more than 1,000 homes and businesses. The White House said Bird and his team worked through the path of the storm to rescue survivors.
Joey Hudy, Anthem, Ariz.: Hudy was a participant in a 2012 science fair at the White House, where he helped the president use his invention, the “extreme marshmallow cannon.” Now 16, Hudy is interning at Intel and is a proponent of science, technology, engineering and math education.
Kathy Hollowell-Makle, Washington: Hollowell-Makle was the 2013 teacher of the year in the District of Columbia public school system. A former Teach for America corps member, Hollowell-Makle teaches at Abram Simon Elementary, where 90 percent of her students demonstrated early literacy at proficient or advanced levels.
Carlos Arredondo and Jeff Bauman, Boston: A photograph of Arredondo, 53, and Bauman, 27, has become one of the iconic images from the April 2013 bombing. The photo captured Arredondo rushing a badly injured Bauman away from the scene of the attack. Bauman, who lost both legs in the attack, played a crucial role in identifying the bombers while he was in the hospital recovering. The two men have become close friends, the White House said.
The New Civil Rights Movement will be offering complete coverage of President Obama’s State of the Union address Tuesday night. Watch the president here, then stay with us for reporting and analysis of his plan for the future.
Image via Wikimedia
Previously:
Ben Shapiro: If You Think Jason Collins Coming Out Is A Big Deal Then You Hate America
Watch: Jason Collins In New Interview Says ‘Hopefully I Can Be Someone Else’s Role Model’
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