On March 9-11, more than 240 students from across New York state met at the Capitol for the 29th annual Angelo Del Toro Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute.
The weekend was the culmination of 36 hours of local training in bill research, debate and civics. Ichabod Crane students who participated in the regional training include Areli Meza, Sara Ramos, Leslie Gomez, Samantha Boscan Ramos, Mayra Morales, Valeria Espinosa and Brian Cruz.
Areli Meza, Sara Ramos and Leslie Gomez were chosen to represent Ichabod Crane and the Capital District as delegates during the three-day institute in Albany. Student delegates from across New York state participated in team building activities at SUNY Albany on Saturday. On Sunday, students participated in a mock session in the New York State Assembly Chambers, where they debated on bills of interest to the Latino community.
Sunday evening, delegates attended a banquet and scholarship award ceremony. Sara Ramos and Areli Meza were both awarded Angelo Del Toro Scholarships for their essays entitled “Mas Que Una Cara Bonita” (More Than Just a Pretty Face) and “El Peligro Del Silencio” (The Danger of Silence), respectively. Also, Areli Meza was awarded the Yesenia Valle Scholarship and was voted Outstanding Student Delegate for the Capital District Delegation.
Congratulations to all Ichabod Crane students who participated in the regional training and the Institute. Congratulations to Areli Meza and Sara Ramos for their powerful essays and to Leslie Gomez, Sara and Areli for representing Ichabod Crane and the Capital District at the Institute!