Two ECHS students head to D.C. institute
By BRENDA SOMMER bsommer@leader-news.com

L-N Photo by Brenda Sommer Headed To D.C. Xavier Puentes, left and Fernando Perez were chosen to attend a week-long leadership institute in the nation's capital this summer.

Two El Campo High students have been chosen to attend a week-long leadership institute in Washington, D.C. this summer.

Fernando Perez and Xavier Puentes were selected by the Migrant Education Program of the Region III Education Center to attend the Experience in Democracy Leadership Program from July 20-26.

They are among only five students from Region III - an educational district comprised of all the school districts in Wharton, Calhoun, Colorado, Dewitt, Jackson, Karnes, Lavaca, Matagorda, Refugio and Victoria counties - were selected to attend the prestigious program.

Puentes, 14, is an ECHS freshman and the son of Arturo and Sanjuana Puentes. He said he was surprised to find out he'd been selected for the program.

"I've never been to Washington," he said. "My parents said it was cool."

Puentes said first and foremost, he wants to see the White House.

"I've never seen it," he said.

Neither Puentes nor Perez has ever flown, and while Puentes seemed neutral on the subject, Perez said he's nervous about the prospect.

Perez is a 17-year-old junior at El Campo High, and is the son of Robert and Maria Perez. He said he did not expect to be chosen for the program. In fact, he knew nothing about it until he was contacted by Elma Escobar, migrant clerk recruiter for El Campo ISD.

"They just called me in and told me, if I was interested, I should apply," Perez said.

He said his parents are pleased he is headed to Washington.

"They're glad I could go and see it, for my future," he said. "I think it would be nice to see the government."

The main objective of the Experience in Democracy Leadership Program is to empower young community leaders and encourage them to become participants in the American democratic process and more actively involved in the American mainstream.

The Bert Corona Leadership Institute - host of the program - serves youth living in immigrant and farmworker communities by providing training programs with an emphasis on civic participation, citizenship, economic development and strengthening education.

Escobar said both boys met the criteria for selection: migrant students with good grades and attendance and conduct records.

The Texas Migrant Interstate Program and Region III will pay the students' transportation, room and board, and a Region III migrant recruiter will travel with them to the nation's capital. While there, attendees work directly with Congress, federal agencies, businesses and labor organizations who provide hands-on learning.