Two students from Jamestown High School, senior Madeline DeJoy and junior Hermione Santiago Cruz will be in attendance with the Western New York delegation of the Puerto Rican Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute in Albany, a program funded by the New York State Department of Education aimed at empowering students.

Thanks to an opportunity made possible from the New York State Department of Education, two Jamestown High School students have been given the opportunity to make their voices — and their cultures — heard.

Senior Madeline DeJoy and junior Hermione Santiago Cruz will represent Jamestown High School in the Western New York delegation of the Puerto Rican Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute (PRHYLI), funded by the New York State Department of Education and is aimed to empower students.

The institute, through a series of workshops, allows students to develop leadership skills; interact with Puerto Rican or Hispanic elected officials, educators, and business leaders; and develop an in-depth knowledge of the State legislative process.

The students debate real-life issues that are being considered in Albany by New York State lawmakers. This year, the students will debate legislative bills concerning the rights of illegal immigrants, as well as diversity of faculty and staff in education.

Additionally, high school seniors are invited to apply for a college scholarship by writing a research-based essay about democracy; the scholarships are awarded at the end of the PRHYLI. Several students from Jamestown and Dunkirk will also earn the NYS Seal of Biliteracy through participation in the conference and giving a presentation in a second language to a panel of judges.

DeJoy and Santiago Cruz will travel with the delegation to Albany in March. There, students will participate in an assembly-style debate in the chamber of the capitol building in Albany with over 300 students from all over New York State. DeJoy will introduce the first bill, and Santiago Cruz will represent Assemblyman Andy Goodell during the debate.

According to Maddie DeJoy, participation in PRHYLI has given her an opportunity to foster her cultural identity as well as teach her very important lessons regarding leadership, government, civics, and what it means to be a responsible citizen. “I have never felt more comfortable in my Hispanic identity than when I am with my PR/HYLI friends,” DeJoy expresses, “this program has truly changed my life.”

“At the beginning, I was very nervous to join the program.” said Santiago Cruz, “But, it has become an environment where I can express my culture and ideas around people that share them without feeling awkward that nobody understands me.”

Any student of Hispanic descent who is interested in pursuing this opportunity for the next school year is invited to apply. Students should contact the PRHYLI Advisor, Ms. Norma DeJoy, or their school counselor for more information.