On Wednesday, November 9, 2011, Congressman Ed Perlmutter paid a visit to the Overland-Prairie campus.  He was welcomed by members of Overland Student Council and listened attentively as they spoke with pride about their school.  They highlighted the academic programs available through the Institute of Science and Technology, the achievements of the clubs and athletic teams, and invited him to attend the Success for Every Student Conference on November 19.

Congressman Perlmutter remarked that he was impressed with the eye contact and confidence of these Overland ambassadors.

His visit continued with a campus tour and included the opportunity to drop in on various classrooms.  In each room he took the opportunity to answer students' questions and ask them what they were learning. In Kara Schickling's AVID class, Congressman Perlmutter shared that his cousin, Noah, was an Overland grad and former AVID student.

Perlmutter was impressed with the state-of-the-art equipment and teaching tools in the new IST building.  Debbie Gregg's Technical Drawing Class spoke excitedly about the projects they had created with their 3D printer.

Before continuing on to Prairie Middle School, Perlmutter stopped by the auditorium as the Cecilians rehearsed the national anthem for the upcoming Veterans Day Celebration.  This gave the performing arts department a chance to showcase its musical talent as well as the well-crafted scenery on stage for "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

At Prairie Middle School, the congressman met with the PMS Leadership team of students. He took time to get to know each of them individually and answer their questions.

With only a short time before the Prairie Assembly, Perlmutter dropped in on an English class and shook every student's hand.  He learned their names in a short period of time and called them by name as he took their questions.

Congressman Perlmutter's visit concluded with a presentation in the gymnasium for sixth- and seventh-graders.  Eighth-grade students were able to listen in by means of a video broadcast.

Although Perlmutter's visit was only a few short hours, he was able to make an impression on the students of the Overland-Prairie campus and took with him a better understanding of the wonderful diversity and enthusiasm of the O-Zone.