Madison, WI – State Representative and Racine Educators United President Angelina Cruz is sponsoring a special Capitol Rotunda exhibit featuring ten student portraits from THE PASSIONS PROJECT | Racial & Social Justice (RSJ) Racine in celebration of 2026 Public Schools Week.
The portraits will be on display in the Rotunda of the Wisconsin State Capitol from Wednesday, February 25 through Friday, February 27, highlighting the voices, talents, and lived experiences of Racine public school students.
“Public Schools Week is about honoring the students and educators who make our schools the heart of our communities,” said Rep. Cruz. “By bringing THE PASSIONS PROJECT to the Capitol, we are ensuring that lawmakers and visitors see the brilliance, resilience, and diversity of the students we serve.”
THE PASSIONS PROJECT | RSJ Racine is a collaboration between project creator and photographer Heidi Wagner, the National Education Association (NEA), the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC), and Racine Educators United (REU). The broader exhibition features forty students, including students from J.I. Case High School, Walden III Middle and High School, and Knapp Elementary Community School.
The ten portraits selected for the Capitol represent students engaged in their passions – ranging from the arts and sciences to athletics and community leadership. Through professional photography and storytelling, the project uplifts student voices while underscoring the importance of strong public schools.
“As both a state representative and public school teacher, I see how state budget decisions directly impact our classrooms,” Cruz said. “At a time when public education faces ongoing challenges, we must recommit to fully funding the public schools that serve the vast majority of Wisconsin children.”
The exhibit is free and open to the public during regular Capitol hours. Visitors are encouraged to stop by the Rotunda to experience the portraits and celebrate Wisconsin’s public school students during Public Schools Week.
