LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Roberto Treviño,

(Laredo, Tx)- Alexandra Mascareno, a junior at The Laredo Early College High School, spent part of her summer participating in the National Hispanic Institute (NHI) Lorenzo De Zavala (LDZ) Youth Legislative Session “Las Americas” in Panama City, Panama. Mascareno was among 80 high achieving Latino sophomore and junior high school students from the Dominican Republic, Panama, and the United States who debated issues, experienced the complex world of government, and legislative process.

 During the eight-day Youth Legislative Session, students constructed and simulated a functioning youth government. Mascareno along with the other student leaders honed their skills in public speaking, organizational management, constituency building, as well as the ability to influence outcomes to empower themselves to be part of the future leadership of the 21st century Latino community.

 “I really learned that I can’t let any opportunity pass you by because you only get one chance,” said Mascareno. “If I want to achieve something, I have to start right now because I am young and its when I have the fresh ideas to pursue as well as the energy to carry them out. Every moment is critical and you must seize the moment and you must be strong in your beliefs.”

 As part of the LDZ Youth Legislative Session, student activities included a general convention, speeches, legislative sessions, Supreme Court trials, and Committee hearings. The students campaigned for positions such as governor, speaker of the house, senators, and Supreme Court justice positions. Mascareno was elected senator by her peers and won the “Outstanding Legislator” Award.

When asked what she gained from her experience in Panama, Alexandra replied, “The LDZ was a life-changing experience for me. I learned not to take things so lightly or for granted. If I want something to get done, then I shouldn’t be afraid to stand up and take action, because I won’t be able to go back in time to change anything.”

 As a ninth grader, she was chosen to be a participant for NHI’s “The Great Debate,” where she advanced to the Elite Eight in Oratory Division. She then competed in “Celebración” (The Nationals) and from among over 600 students she won First Place and became National Champion in the Celebración Oratory Division. Subsequently she was invited to participate in the International LDZ event in Panama City, Panama.

Due to Alexandra’s exceptional performance at the LDZ Las Americas, she will join over 150 finalist from across the country and Latin America to participate in the LDZ: The Summit at Celebracion 2011, in San Antonio later this year.

 “We are extremely proud of all of Alexandra’s accomplishments. She is a shining star not only for the Early College, but for Laredo ISD as well.” said Jose Cerda, Early College Principal. “This young lady is truly remarkable. She has exceptional study habits, and a commitment to excel that goes beyond explanation and a desire and ability to succeed not only academically but personally. There is no doubt that she will be a leader in our school and community in the very near future.”

 Also over the summer, Andrew Ali, Nixon High and the Trevino Magnet School sophomore participated in the National Hispanic Institute Program. Ali was chosen to be an Ambassador for NHI’s “The Great Debate” in Austin.

 “The “Great Debate” was a great experience. It helped further my skills in debate as well as my vocabulary and critical thinking skills,” said Ali. “Participating in the NHI gave me a feeling of independence, that you can do anything. You leave the NHI feeling that you have accomplished something.”

 Currently, because of Ali’s accomplishments he was invited to participate in the International National Hispanic Institutes LDZ event that will take place in New York in July, 2012