JHS juniors Juniors Geovany Brown Ordonez, Jenilisse Cordero Colon, Alejandro Lopez Velazquez, Bianca Rojas, and Angela Santizo Soto recently attended the Angelo Del Toro Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute (PR/HYLI) in Albany.

Five Jamestown High School students recently returned from an unforgettable experience in Albany, where they participated in the Angelo Del Toro Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute (PR/HYLI) — a prestigious program focused on civic engagement, public policy, and leadership development.

Juniors Geovany Brown Ordonez, Jenilisse Cordero Colon, Alejandro Lopez Velazquez, Bianca Rojas, and Angela Santizo Soto were selected as members of the Western New York delegation, joining more than 275 students from across the state who spent the past six months preparing for the capstone event held March 7-10.

Throughout the program, students explored topics such as the legislative process, public speaking, parliamentary procedure, and debating selected Assembly Bills. The multi-day event in Albany featured team-building activities, career development workshops, and a Mock Assembly session held in the actual New York State Assembly Chamber.

One highlight of the weekend was a keynote address from former NASA astronaut Jose Hernandez, whose powerful story inspired students to dream big and reach for the stars.

Two JHS students, Geovany Brown Ordonez and Alejandro Lopez Velazquez, earned additional distinction by serving as Democrat Assembly Clerks during the Mock Assembly. Geovany’s leadership was further recognized as he was named an Outstanding Delegate, a distinction that comes with a special invitation to the SOMOS conference and an upcoming trip to Puerto Rico, where he’ll have the opportunity to meet with elected officials and advocate on issues affecting his community.

“These students did an amazing job,” said JHS advisor Korrin Mundo. “They showed incredible commitment, confidence, and growth throughout the program. We’re so proud of how they represented Jamestown.”