Students from Midway, Cascade, Pacific, Chinook, Global Connections, Odyssey, Highline, and Mount Rainier attended this year's Latino/a Educational Achievement Project (LEAP) conference February 6. In addition to student participation, parents also attended - sponsored by Title III funds intended to engage parents of ELL students.

Global Connections alumnus Gabriela Osorio was named one of two recipients of the Phyllis Gutierrez McKinney scholarships - each for $5,000. Gabby, a 2008 graduate who maintained a 3.8 GPA, has been unable to attend college due to financial constraints. She was a co-founder of the Latino Stand Up club at Global Connections and has continued her leadership by volunteering with LEAP and leading their regional seminars throughout the state. She has worked with youth to advocate and inform them about the DREAM act.

Deputy Superintendent Carla Jackson commented, "What a treat to see Gabriella receive one of the $5,000 scholarships! The staff at Global should be very proud of their students. With Jose, this makes two years in a row for a Global student to be honored with this scholarship." She went on to say, "Quality students like these make me comfortable about who will be our future leaders."

The conference included workshops that support LEAP's mission of academic achievement of Latino/a students, with awareness of post-secondary options and opportunities, which is aligned with Highline's mission and vision for all students. During the visit to the state capitol, this group of over 80 participants met with Representative Dave Upthegrove to discuss laws and policies affecting Latino/a students and communities.

LEAP was founded in 1998, focusing their efforts around developing educational policy priorities to improve teaching and learning in Washington State. Their goal is that all students will graduate from high school with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed for success in post-secondary education or in today's information age and technology-driven workplace.

Top photo: Midway students with Family Advocate/Academic Coach, Samuel Paredes