Conference Tradition Continues
The 14th Annual Latino Leadership Conference was held on October 23 at San Benito High School. Those in attendance included San Benito High School students, community LULAC leaders, Baler gradutes, local firefighters and police officers.
The conference began at the school’s cafeteria, where students and parents registered and received a bag with pens, pencils, notepads and the conference schedule. Several colleges representatives were present handing out information. A light breakfast snack of fruit, milk and coffee was available.
There was a welcome by Mickie Luna, LULAC national vice president for the far west, SBHS counselor Jim Caffeiro, and Ana De Castro, the LULAC Youth Council #705 president.
Afterward everyone was invited to the auditorium for the general assembly which consisted of Baler graduates who shared their experiences from past conferences and their former involvement with LULAC Youth Council #705.
Martin Lopez shared his experience of working hard to receive his education.
He said, “I remember that the year I graduated (1997) from this high school there were four of us (Latinos) going off to Berkeley. Four of us, three of which are here to speak to you today.”
Lopez went on to explain the importance of a post-secondary education for Latinos. He encouraged the students present to go on to study what they chose and to actually graduate. Rocio Gomez and Oscar Ramos, both 1997 graduates of San Benito High School were next to speak. Gomez explained the strong impact that LULAC’s Leadership Conference had on her. She challenged students to make the best out of the conference.
Following the speakers, workshops began. Workshops included “How to Succeed in Business,” “Higher Education and Your Goals in Life,” “The Law and Your Inspiration to be an Attorney,” “Careers in Law Enforcement,” “Careers in Fire Science” and, for parents, “Getting Familiar with Your Children’s Education.”
In the workshop “The law and your inspiration to be an attorney,” attorneys Xavier Baeza and Elvira Robinson touched on the different careers involving laws. Baeza mentioned, “The hardest part of representing a client is defending someone that is accused of a crime.” Robinson added, “You have to be able to give justice for the client, they are not necessarily guilty.”
In the neighboring workshops, “Careers in law enforcement,” “Careers in fire science”and“How to succeed in business” important steps in education were explained. Rudy Rodriguez, from State Farm Insurance explained how having a business or going into business is a process.
In the parent’s workshop, parents discussed the importance of education for their children’s success.
Lunch was given at the school’s cafeteria. Lunch consisted of lasagna, garlic bread, salad, fruit, cookies and a drink were available to each person.
The afternoon session held in the auditorium, was a diversity dialogue, which included the involvement of parents, students, and law enforcement. Chief Miller was present answering questions, ranging from, traffic laws to discrimination in the community.
After completing an evaluation form, students received a blue ticket to be in the drawing for prizes. Prices included school supplies and university attire. Once all small prizes were given out, all in the auditorium were given a ticket for the chance to win the laptop computer.
After a dramatic call of numbers; Toby Sherman, sophomore at San Benito High School, exclaimed his win. After confirmation, he received his prize. “I didn’t expect to win,” Sherman admitted, “but I’m happy I did.” “The conference helped me learn a lot about business and I’m to come again next year,” Sherman shared.