Samantha Saca and Ebany Tapia, juniors at Peekskill High School, are proud members of the Puerto Rican Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute Program.  One of our Spanish teachers, Ms. Veloz contacted the girls, encouraging them to join and get involved with this leadership program, which is designed for juniors and seniors.  Samantha is the Vice President of Latino Culture Club at Peekskill High School, and this was a great opportunity for both her and Ebany.

Samantha and Ebany are both advanced students who skipped Spanish 4, moving directly to AP Spanish. In the leadership training, the girls are taught leadership and advocacy skills so that they can transfer them to issues of concern in the Hispanic community.  

Many applicants throughout the Hudson Valley applied, 100 were accepted throughout the Hudson Valley, including Samantha and Ebany.  There are five leadership sessions in all. So far, they attended one, which was held at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie. Samantha and Ebany want to spread the word about the Puerto Rican Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute Program.

They continue to learn more aspects of leadership including public speaking and  presenting in front of many people. They will also learn about the state legislative process. If you would like to find out more, speak to Ebany, Samantha or Ms. Veloz.