NYS Mid Hudson BETAC at Ulster BOCES
Panelist Edgardo Cerezo (standing) spoke to students attending a Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute workshop at Ulster BOCES on March 5. Other panelists included Heidi Lazares, Linda Falcon and Angel Falcon, Esq.
What does it mean to be a Latino high school student in New York? How does government influence lives, and how can our ideas become laws? Forty-one juniors and seniors from 19 Mid Hudson schools considered these issues and more in the local 2007 Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute (PRHYLI) program sponsored by NYS Mid Hudson BETAC at Ulster BOCES.
The PR/HYLI is an annual statewide program for which school districts nominate students with leadership potential. Program objectives include increasing students’ capacity to become positive agents of change and appreciation of their shared Latino heritage.
Two workshops in February and March focused on leadership, community advocacy and public speaking. Group activities fostered te am work across school districts, while enhancing awareness of issues, challenges and potential solutions for the Hispanic community.
Last March, a panel of four Hispanic professionals spoke with students about their lives and careers, offering advice and encouragement. A former PRHYLI participant and current business consultant, Edgardo Cerezo remains active in community politics. He urged students—his daughter among them— to continue in this path. All panelists stressed education, hard work and a positive attitude as the keys to success.
Students engaged in discussion with the panel and each other, completing the HYLI vision of collaboration and leadership by young Hispanics. Some are considering careers in law and government. Twelve delegates were selected to represent Mid Hudson in the annual PR/HYLI Albany conference in late April.
—Robin Panico, BETAC Resource Specialist
Smart! Publication, Spring 2007