Joliet Student Makes Screen Debut

Submitted by Joliet Township High School

Joliet Central High School student Sofia Santamaria is the star of a ComEd commercial that will air in movie theatres and on YouTube.

Santamaria was first involved with ComEd over the summer of 2014 when she competed in their Icebox Derby as part of the Girls 4 Science program. The derby included 30 young women divided into six teams that build a race car out of recycled refrigerators. Sophia placed second overall with her team when she was in 8th grade.

“As the only Hispanic competing in the derby, Sophia caught the attention of ComEd, who asked her to appear in a commercial for Hispanic Heritage month,” said JCHS Counselor Natalie O’Connell.

Girls 4 Science collaborates with ComEd to provide the derby opportunity to young girls interested in STEM careers. “Sofia joined Girls for Science through the University of St. Francis when she was in 6th grade,” said O’Connell. The program meets on Saturday’s to work on a variety of STEM-related projects at the University of St. Francis.

The commercial is slotted to run in movie theaters during Hispanic Heritage month which runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.

You can view Sofia’s commercial on the ComEd Facebook page.