Huntington Students Participate in Training for Albany Initiative

Three exceptional Huntington High School students who have been selected to participate in a mock State Assembly program in Albany completed the second of four planned training sessions on Thursday.

Accompanied by District Director of Bilingual programs and World Languages Judy Moroff, juniors Nataly Posada Lopez and Marilyn Mendoza Virula and senior Heileen Torres spent Thursday preparing for the upcoming leadership program at the state capitol building.

“During Thursday’s session, we analyzed New York State bills that impact the Latino community and discussed ways the students can support these bills and engage in the legislative process,” Mrs. Moroff said.

The three Huntington scholars are among a select group of top students chosen to participate in the Angelo Del Toro Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute, which will be held in April in Albany.

Prospective participants in the Institute are required to complete an application packet and submit a typed resume along with two letters of recommendation and a “meaningful and responsive essay” of at least 250 words that described their interest in “leadership, government policy making, the issues facing youth and the Hispanic community and the qualities/experiences that make them an outstanding candidate.”

The Huntington trio has distinguished itself inside and outside of the high school. All three hope to make their community and state a better place. Mrs. Moroff nominated them for the state youth leadership institute.

“The Institute affords Hispanic youth greater insight into the dynamic nature of state government, provides a forum for students to share ideas and concerns impacting the Hispanic community and offers participants the opportunity to develop leadership skills,” according to a program profile.