Rep. Scholten to Bring East Kentwood High School History Teacher Matthew Vriesman as Guest to State of the Union Address

KENTWOOD, MI – Rep. Hillary Scholten (MI-03) today announced that Matthew Vriesman, East Kentwood High School history teacher and the 2023 National History Teacher of the Year winner, will join her at the annual State of the Union Address on Thursday.

“Mr. Vriesman is getting East Kentwood High School students excited to learn about our nation’s history and how they can create a better future for us all– and I am THRILLED that he is able to join me at this year’s State of the Union Address. There is no better way to honor the service of one of our incredible local teachers than to join me in Washington for one of our nation’s most storied traditions,” said Rep. Scholten. “I can’t wait to welcome him and his wife to Washington, D.C. to represent the Kentwood community and all of West Michigan.” 

“I am deeply honored to represent my colleagues and community as the guest of Congresswoman Scholten at the State of the Union. As a U.S. History teacher, this opportunity is truly the thrill of a lifetime! It's better than the Super Bowl! Each year, I create an extra credit State of the Union bingo for my students, and this year, they can check off 'Spot Mr. Vriesman' in one of the boxes. This is a dream come true, and I eagerly anticipate the chance to partake in this historic tradition in our nation's capital,” said Matthew Vriesman.