Ossining Students Learn about Leadership, Legislative Process at Conference

Seven Ossining High School students were selected from a competitive group of applicants from the Hudson Valley to attend the 27th annual Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Conference in Albany March 24-27. They are Carla Inga, Gabriel Lucero, Jefferson Quituisaca, Paola Sosa, Ana Tacuri, Natalie Urgiles and Jhaneth Vivar.

The Ossining students participated in four intensive full-day leadership institutes in advance of the conference at the state capitol. More than 200 students from around the state participated in the Albany event, where they took part in a mock Assembly session, represented the Democratic and Republican party caucuses , and met with Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, as well as several senators and Assembly members. They also had a meeting with MaryEllen Elia, the state education commissioner. On Sunday, they attended a student recognition dinner. The topics of this year’s mock session bills included police brutality, child welfare and undocumented immigrants’ access to higher education.

The purpose of the Angelo Del Toro Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute is to empower students and help them develop leadership skills; give them opportunities to interact with positive role models; create partnerships among educators, business leaders and students; and help students gain an in-depth knowledge of the state legislative process.

Jefferson, a scholarship award winner and returning participant, said the weekend institute was a unique experience that he will never forget. “It has given me the opportunity to meet new students, talk to New York State Assembly members and to have a great time,” he said. “I am honored to have been given the chance to attend the conference twice to make a difference in the world.”

He was one of 35 students selected for scholarships from the state Assembly’s Hispanic Caucus, including six from the Hudson Valley delegation. He received a $2,000 scholarship and an Outstanding Delegate Award. Paola, also a senior, was recognized with the Governor Specialty Role.

The students were selected to attend the institute following a rigorous application process and participation in the leadership institutes, which were designed to enhance their leadership, advocacy, public speaking and essay-writing skills. Manhattanville College and SUNY New Paltz hosted the workshops.

The Ossining delegates were among 44 high-achieving Hispanic students who joined the Hudson Valley Regional Bilingual Education Resource Network at the event. The network, in partnership with Southern Westchester BOCES, provides support and technical assistance to educators of English language learners in 144 public school districts and other institutions that serve this population.

The PR/Hispanic Youth Leadership Conference was presented in conjunction with the New York State Assembly/Senate Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force, the annual SOMOS El Futuro conference, the state Education Department and other agencies.