As an English resource teacher at Gaithersburg High School, Jennifer Bado-Aleman’s goal is to ensure her students are learning the skills they need to succeed in life. On Jan. 15, she had the opportunity to talk about that mission on a national level.

White House officials invited Bado-Aleman to speak at a film screening of “The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete,” hosted by Michelle Obama. The event is part of the first lady’s campaign to help more young people make it to, and through, college.

“It was a really exciting opportunity,” said Bado-Aleman, a Gaithersburg resident.

Bado-Aleman was introduced by Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Alicia Keys, who was the movie’s executive producer and wrote the score. After giving her own remarks, the teacher introduced Mrs. Obama.