'Young Leaders' prepare for D.C. trip

Six Tucumcari Middle School students have been nominated to attend the Junior National Young Leaders Conference in Washington D.C. this summer.

Eliano Chavarria, Merissa Cooper, Vincent Grap, John Martinez, Olana Romero and Genisis Rodriguez will be leaving June 14 and returning June 19.

For many it will be their first airplane flight.

Martinez admitted that he was a little nervous about the flight, but the best part of the trip would be “getting to learn about economics,” he said.
Chavarria agreed about the flight, but said she was looking forward to seeing all the memorial sites.
Cooper said she is looking forward to meeting new people.

For the last two months, the students have been fund-raising by holding bake sales, cake walks, dances, yard sales, concession stands, and a raffle for a mini motorcycle. So far, they have raised over half of the $12,000 required for tuition and airfare. In addition, organizations and businesses in the community have been very generous and supportive of the Young Leaders.

About 5,700 students will be attending the program this summer, which represents less than one half of one percent of all sixth graders across the nation. Tucumcari has not had any delegates attend the JNYLC since 2005.

Each student attendee is selected for a nomination based upon their academic excellence, maturity level and leadership potential ensuring that every participant possesses the drive and determination to emerge as a future and world leader.

During the six-day program, scholars take part in educational activities. They will also meet with elected officials and Congressional staff members and visit monuments and memorials in West Virginia and the D.C. area.

If you would like to make a donation, the JNYLC has an account at the First National Bank of New Mexico.