Future Hispanic leaders
Salisbury City Council recently recognized the future Hispanic leaders group, “Lideres del Futuro,” which has brought together Hispanic high school students in Rowan County.
Luis Andrade, a senior at Salisbury High School, serves as president of the group. Elia Gegorek, a Realtor and publisher of a local Spanish newspaper, is serving as an adult adviser.The group already has held a health fair and talent show and plans to conduct a parent-student workshop in March.
The club members also have taken local historic tours and learned about city government.
Mayor Susan Kluttz attended a recent club meeting, and invited Andrade and Gegorek to last Tuesday’s council meeting.
One of the group’s initiatives focuses on improving graduation rates among Hispanic students. Andrade said many students are forced to leave school early to take jobs and help support their families financially.
Others face peer pressure to join gangs, he said. Some Hispanic families also move frequently and make it more difficult for the students to stay in school.