Rising Leader: JEHS’s Evan Moore Finds Purpose at PR/HYLI and Beyond

Jordan-Elbridge High School junior Evan Moore recently had the opportunity to gather with other Hispanic and Latin youth from across New York in Albany to hone his leadership skills and engage in the art of democracy through The Angelo Del Toro Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute (PR/HYLI).

Evan, who just moved to the district from Puerto Rico, is experiencing his first year at Jordan-Elbridge. Despite the transition, he has found a welcoming community both at school and within PR/HYLI. "This is my first year here, and everyone has been so welcoming despite me just moving here. They have made me feel like this is a second home and practically have made me feel like I was a part of a family," Evan said of his experience with PR/HYLI.

The Angelo Del Toro Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute is celebrating more than 30 years of collaboration with the New York State Assembly/Senate Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force, in conjunction with the annual SOMOS, Inc. Conference. The program is a partnership with the New York State Education Department, the Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages, the NYC Public Schools, the RBERNs statewide, institutions of higher education, and other agencies.

The overall purpose of PR/HYLI is student empowerment and leadership development. The Institute has several key goals for its student delegates, including:

• The development of leadership skills in Hispanic youth.

• The creation of opportunities for Hispanic students to interact with positive role models such as Puerto Rican/Hispanic elected officials, educators, and business leaders.

• The establishment of partnerships and conversations among educators, business leaders, and students.

• The development of an in-depth knowledge of the state legislative process.

The Syracuse delegation, which included Evan, made the two-hour journey east to Albany, where they had the chance to bond with students from across New York State. "I got to bond with people and make new friends to hopefully make long-lasting friendships. I'm glad I made those relationships because we really grew over the weekend," Evan shared.

As part of the program, students were divided into different workshop groups. Over the course of 3-4 hours, they worked collaboratively on projects to present to the larger group. Evan was assigned to the art project, where his team was tasked with encapsulating the word "perseverance" into a drawing. The event had an astronaut theme, inspired by José M. Hernández, a former NASA astronaut who shared his inspiring journey with the delegates.

"It really hit home too because, as a Hispanic, I can speak to the fact that not everyone takes you seriously. Even if we don't have that automatic light on us, we can shift it onto us," Evan reflected on the significance of perseverance. "Obviously, there are hardships and adversity in perseverance, and it makes you learn to not take everything in life for granted. I'm thankful for it and how pushing my way through the mud makes me come out even stronger."

After Evan graduates next year, he hopes to attend college and pursue a career in law. "I want to share my voice. One day, I really aspire to be one of the greats who change the world. I want to be that type of person, and I want to share my opinion because with politics nowadays, any voice is good enough to be heard."

Evan’s experience at PR/HYLI has not only strengthened his leadership skills but has also reinforced his passion for advocacy and civic engagement. With his dedication and perseverance, he is well on his way to making a meaningful impact in his community and beyond.