CHS Student to Travel to Washington D.C., Will Attend LULAC Youth Leadership Seminar

Colton High School (CHS) junior Cecellia Rasso was recently selected to attend the League of United Latin American Citizen’s (LULAC) Washington D.C. Youth Leadership Seminar in October. Rasso was selected as 1 of the 50 participants out of 300+ applicants from across the nation. Her selection comes as no surprise to her family and friends, who know how much she cares about current issues and involves herself in her community. Rasso serves as Vice President with Colton High School Club “Girls con Ganas” (with motivation), is an AVID Student and a member of the National Honor Society, and is also a member of Colton Pride. Additionally, she is a 2012 participant of the Inland Empire Future Leaders program. “I was privileged to learn from my parents since they are both advocates for economic and social justice,” Rasso said of her motivation to apply for the program. “Both of my parents are union advocates, and my father ran for the California State Legislature in 2006. I had the privilege to meet former Governor Gray Davis and Congressman Joe Baca, along with many other honorable dignitaries in California. My parents’ involvement in labor and politics has given me an advantage in leadership ability. I have learned in order to be a great leader, you must learn to communicate, listen, think, and respect others’ opinions. Together you will obtain ideas and solutions to resolve issues.” LULAC is the largest Latino civil rights and advocacy group in the United States, founded in 1929. LULAC works to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans from every region looking for freedom and an honest way of life and is formed of councils throughout the United States. The Washington Youth Leadership Seminar offers an opportunity for students to voice their opinions to national leaders who can make a difference. It challenges participating youth to focus on their own leadership development and continue to work when they return to their respective communities. Participants are recommended by LULAC Councils to serve as representatives of their home states. Once in Washington D.C., students work with LLAC National Education Service Center (LNESC) staff and LULAC leaders from across the country to develop a platform on items of particular interest to Latino youth. After meeting with key players on the issues and participating in discussions with think tank representatives, participants collaborate on a position piece, which is then sent to their Congressional leaders. In past years, students have focused on issues as varied as education, immigration, healthcare reform and the workforce. Rasso is mentored by Dolores Huerta, whom she looks up to in various aspects. One commonality they have is being an only child, Rasso said. “I can relate to her,” Rasso stated, recalling one evening she was surprised to discover the friendship between Huerta and her parents. “I was at an event with my parents, and [Huerta] walked right up to my dad and gave him a hug. My mouth dropped, because I had no idea my dad even knew her. Before she walked away I took a picture with her which I have hanging in my room.” During her preparation for her trip, Rasso shared that her emotions are varying. “I am excited and nervous about attending the Youth Seminar in Washington. I never have been away from home before, but I know it will be a great experience for me. I look forward to attending and being the voice for my school and community,” she said. The local LULAC Council #3163 of the Inland Empire will be hosting a fundraiser to support Rasso’s travels to Washington D.C on Saturday, Sept. 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the home of Drs. Tom and Lily Rivera. To RSVP for this event, please call 909-319-3340.