Our Western New York Outstanding Delegate, Geovany Brown, a 12th grader from Jamestown High School, joined fellow Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute (PR/HYLI) delegates from across New York State on a special leadership visit to San Juan, Puerto Rico. PR/HYLI is a statewide leadership program that promotes civic engagement, cultural pride, and legislative understanding among Puerto Rican and Hispanic high school students.

Reflecting on the experience, Geovany shared:
“The trip to Puerto Rico was one of the best experiences I've ever had. Meeting so many leaders in the Latino community was inspiring and very exciting.”

During the November 5th visit to the Puerto Rico House of Representatives, Senado Puerto Rico highlighted the purpose of the experience:

“Ayer el presidente del Senado, Thomas Rivera Schatz, recibió a estudiantes de la Organización ‘Puerto Rican Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute’ (PR/HYLI), un programa que busca desarrollar habilidades de liderazgo y empoderar a jóvenes puertorriqueños y latinos. Durante la visita, los estudiantes pudieron conocer el proceso legislativo e interactuar con líderes y modelos a seguir en la política y la sociedad.”

While many districts across Western New York participate, we extend a special shout-out to Korrin Mundo and Dr. Faith Graham from the Jamestown City School District, who support and accompany Jamestown students through the institute. We congratulate Geovany on this remarkable accomplishment and look forward to welcoming this year’s cohort on December 5th, under the leadership of Dr. Claribel González.