SANTA PAULA — Santa Paula High School, Latino Town Hall and other community partners will be hosting a two-day leadership conference during spring break for 100 students from the Santa Paula community on Tuesday, March 25th and Wednesday March 26th, organizers reported Monday in a media release.
The conference goal is to empower these youth with soft skills, public speaking, team-building, goal setting and a strong cultural identity as we encourage them to pursue higher education. Emmy award-winning broadcaster David Cruz, educator Maria Elena Plaza and Superintendent Alfonso Gamino will be amongst some of the inspirational speakers.
“This conference is part of a larger Youth Empowerment Initiative strategy to enhance and build the leadership of Santa Paula’s Chicano/Latino youth. We want to build a community that provides opportunities for everyone. This methodology is based on three principles: (1) young people are leaders for today and tomorrow; (2) all young people deserve opportunities to reach their full potential as contributors to society; and (3) a small investment at a crucial developmental stage can make a huge difference in a young person’s life course. This Youth Leadership Conference helps prepare students to participate in Santa Paula’s – and California’s – economic, social and political development,” stated Dr. Gabino Aguirre, past-President of Santa Paula Latino Town Hall.
The conference features a wide array of leadership trainings that will focus on education, civic engagement and personal development. All participants will engage in interactive activities that build self-esteem and character. At the end of day one, participants will enjoy the featured film, Walk Out, and then will engage in a panel discussion with special guests Bobby Verdugo and Yoli Rios, two personalities whose life experience the film is based on.
“This generation of students has the potential to have success without limitations, the challenge is getting them to recognize and believe it.” said Richard Castaniero, teacher at Santa Paula High School. “We want to train students to feel comfortable taking risks, being reflective, and focus on what they want as well as what they have to offer their community.”
Santa Paula High School is hosting the event that is being organized by Latino Town Hall, Future Leaders of America, CAUSE, Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation, SPHS PTA, M.E.Ch.A, and Migrant Education.
The conference will take on March 25th from 8:30AM to 4PM, followed by dinner and a movie, and on March 26th from 8:30-4PM at Santa Paula High School, 404 N 6th St, Santa Paula, CA 93060. Raffle prizes for participants include a mini-Ipad, yearbooks, bikes and gift cards.
Admission is free. For questions, please call Richard at 310-570-6498 or email rcastaniero@santapaulaunified.org