Press Release: 34 Students Selected Nationwide Graduate from the UNM/LULAC National Leadership Program.

LULAC completes third year in creating a leadership academy at the UNM.

August 4, 2009

Contact: Lizette Jenness Olmos
(202) 833-6130 ext. 16

Washington, DC, - The League of United Latin American Citizens, the largest and oldest Hispanic civil rights organization in the country, in conjunction with the University of New Mexico graduated 34 high school students from the UNM/ LULAC Summer Youth Leadership program, funded by the Department of Energy on Sunday, August 3rd.

The students participated in training from July 21 to August 2, 2009 at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. The program, which began in 2007, aims to develop young Latino student leaders and prepare them for college. The Department of Energy granted LULAC $154,833 to provide for the success of this program for the next two years.

“The DOE/UNM/LULAC partnership is an example of initiatives the DOE supports to encourage high school students to take leadership roles in the areas of mathematics, science, and technology,” said Annie Whatley, Acting Director, Office of Economic Impact and Diversity, Department of Energy. “As participants in this program, students will be better prepared to enter the scientific workforce and contribute to DOE's energy mission. “

“LULAC is very appreciative and thankful to the U.S. Department of Energy for their sponsorship of the Leadership Program held at University of New Mexico,” said LULAC National President Rosa Rosales. “We would not have been able to have conducted this program without DOE’s assistance and of course, our thanks as well, for the outstanding services provided to us from the University of New Mexico. Also, I congratulate all graduates, may you continue your education, and best wishes to all.”

This year’s program theme, “How Will Today’s Global Economy Affect Energy?,” brought to light critical issues affecting America, encouraging the students to derive creative solutions for today’s ailing economy and energy crisis. Students had the opportunity to learn leadership skills by educating themselves on economic and energy issues that impact the entire community. The program provided leadership training, tutorials, guidance, counseling and cultural/social enrichment activities.

“The two week leadership conference focuses on preparing our young Latina and Latino students for the future.  It not only gives them leadership training, but gives them tutorials, guidance, counseling and cultural/social enrichment activities. The students that have attended the University of New Mexico leadership training come back more determine to pursue higher education,” said Berta Urteaga, LULAC VP for Youth.

The program culminated in professional research presentations, highlighting the students’ work. Immediately following was the UNM LULAC Leadership program graduation ceremony where the students celebrated their great achievements over the past two weeks. Keynote speakers were Dr. Eliseo Torres, Vice President for Student Affairs, UNM; Jessica Martinez, LULAC National Youth President; Lawrence Roybal, Executive Director, ENLACE New Mexico; and Professor G. Dana Brabson, UNM Chemistry Department. Student speakers included Dylan Mata- Lovato, Judith Mayorga, Sergio Ramirez and Yhaira Arguello.

 “As National LULAC Youth President and a proud Lobo, I am elated that this leadership program has been a continuous success. The students were constantly challenged by learning what the college environment is like through various workshops and lectures. I hope that through this program they take what they learn and continue with their education to ultimately improve their community,” said National Youth President Jessica Martinez.

LULAC wants to thank the support of the local councils, LNESC centers and parents for sponsoring the students’ attendance at the program.  

2009 graduates:

Cynthia Alvarado, Alsip, IL
Valerie Arellanes, Abuquerque, NM
Yhaira Arguello, San Antonio, TX
Erica Baca, Albuquerque, NM
Atlantida Banda, San Antonio, TX
Samantha Benitez, El Paso, TX
Clarisa Bermejo, Milwaukee, WI
Monica Calderón, South Bend, IN
Christina Coriz, Albuquerque, NM
Armando Davalos, Albuquerque, NM
Jennifer Dorado, North Liberty, IN
Jacqueline Ferrer, Milwaukee, WI
Raid Hill, Albuquerque, NM
Dylan Mata Lovado, Colorado Springs, CO
Judith Mayorga, Colorado Springs, CO
Taylor McCue, Albuquerque, NM
Anthony Nevarez, San Gabriel, CA
Karla Ochoa, Albuquerque, NM
Mariana Peralta, Tucson, AZ
Sergio Ramirez, Corpus Christi, TX
Metzli Rivera, Houston, TX
Lesly Ruelas, Albuquerque, NM
Tiffany Ruiz, Milwaukee, WI
Zachariah Salazar, Raton, NM
Emily Salgado, Tucson, AZ
Sweyzen Sanchez, Chicago, IL
James Sanchez, Chicago, IL
Emilio Sanchez, Davenport, IA
Miguel Santos, South Bend, IN
Lorena Santos, Kenosha, WI
Nancy Santos, Kenosha, WI
Perla Torres, Chicago, IL
Esmeralda Treviño, El Paso, TX
Karissa Vasquez, Albuquerque, NM 

In its first year, 26 high school Latino high school sophomores and juniors from across the country with scholastic potential participated in the week-long training. Over the past two years, this number has increased, and next year will accommodate even more students.

The League of United Latin American Citizens advances the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, housing, health and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs operating at more than 700 LULAC councils nationwide.

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