Leslie Howland
The Huntsville Hispanic community took part in the Encuentro Conference at Sam Houston State University on Saturday.
Huntsville Independent School District, SHSU and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) sponsored the annual conference that provides parents and students with information about post-secondary education.
“Encuentro is designed to bring services to Hispanics in Huntsville and to introduce them to SHSU,” said Kay Raymond, member of the Encuentro board of directors and Spanish professor at SHSU.
John Escobedo is the local LULAC president and also a member of the Encuentro Board of Directors.
“It brings a lot of exposure to the Hispanic community,” Escobedo said. “It makes the student and the family comfortable in a college atmosphere.”
Exhibitor booths provided information about Huntsville area services such as the Walker County Federal Credit Union, SAAFE House, Huntsville Public Library and SHSU admission and financial aid departments.
Student volunteers from SHSU and HISD provided childcare so parents could attend workshops. Adult education sessions provided parents with information regarding legal issues, health and financing. HISD superintendent Richard Montgomery, and Gibbs Elementary principal Rosa Valles, hosted a session about the district’s mission.
High school students attended sessions focusing on post-secondary education and success. Maria Luisa Alvarado, candidate for Texas Lt. Governor gave students an inspirational message about making choices.
“Don’t close your doors and don’t close your minds,” Alvarado said. “You are the next leaders of this state.”
Nacho Estrada, ventriloquist, comedian and inspirational speaker addressed both parents and students at the conference. Estrada and his dummy, Maclovio, talked to both parents and students during the conference.
Students were encouraged to stay in school, and he encouraged parents to continue to teach their children manners and respect. Estrada also reminded parents about the importance of their influences in their child’s life.
The duo also visited HISD campuses last week. This was Estrada’s first visit to Huntsville and SHSU.
Encuentro was established in 1997 by members of the university and Hispanic community in an effort to provide educational opportunities to the Hispanic community and is funded through grants provided by SHSU departments.
