HPHS Students Win at Great Debates

For the past ten years HPCF has provided funding for Highland Park High School students to attend, participate and compete at the National Hispanic Institute’s Great Debates.

In a best-ever showing in 2009, five participants achieved awards and three advanced to compete in the National Great Debate at the University of Texas in Austin.

The Great Debate allows high school freshmen, selected for their academic achievement, the opportunity to test and improve their written and verbal skills through organized discussions and debates.

Tom Koulentes, HPHS Vice Principal, observes that “after participation students come back to school empowered and confident as leaders; and a week on a college campus ignites further interest college education. The Community Foundation grants have enabled students without the financial means to attend this program.”

Great Debate winners are (l to r) Yolanda Pareja, Ricardo Rodriguez and  Melissa Jimenez. Not pictured are Edgar Aguero and Daniel Santoyo. Jimenez, Rodgriguez and Santoyo advanced to the nationals.

CBO Prepares First Generation Students for College

A new program added to the foundation’s grants in 2009 is College Bound Opportunities which provides adult coaching for college selection, application procedures and funding sources for first generation college prospects from Highland Park and Highwood.

Founded only three years ago, CBO currently has 51 scholars – 30 in college and 21 in high school, 19 of which are at HPHS. The program is designed to guide through the college experience outstanding students of moderate means who are usually the first generation of their families to be college prospects. CBO college scholars are attending institutions such as Lake Forest University, Knox College, Marquette University and the University of Iowa.

Mentor Bill Siskel presents new scholar Enrique with his CBO recognition award.