Melanie Bailey, a strong supporter of lengthening the school day, has been selected to represent Hawaii at the third annual Mom Congress in Washington, D.C., later this month.

The event, sponsored by Parenting magazine, is aimed at recognizing parents who work to improve the community and help them increase their advocacy reach.

This year, Mom Congress delegates will meet with U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. Other speakers at the three-day conference, from April 29 to May 1, include National PTA President Betsy Landers and National Education Association vice President Lily Eskelsen.

Bailey, who has a 13-year-old son, has pushed for efforts aimed at adding to the instructional day at public schools and has also supported legislation to address bullying.