Latinos in Action (LIA) is a leadership class and organization that seeks empowerment of Latino youth, and welcomes everyone who is ready to become a leader, serve their community, and form bonds with others that are part of their community. LIA is available here at Alta High School, and has created a community and group of students that have sparked a change in their community here at the school and even outside of it.

Emily Gonzalez, Spanish and LIA teacher at the school talks about why Latinos in Action holds so much significance and why it’s important to have it at school. She shares, “I think it’s important for students to develop leadership skills, engage in service, and get a sense of community.” Mrs. Gonzalez also states that she thinks inclusivity is an important part of high school experience, “I think LIA provides a place for students who don’t usually feel that way [part of a community.]” She establishes that it is important for there to be a place where everyone feels included, and like they can take part of something and contribute to it.

Last year, LIA was able to host some activities to make students feel more included; such as Multicultural week. The week ended with a dance that allowed students to share a fun time and shine a light on their cultures. The creation of Multicultural week influenced the idea for the making of a Multicultural Mural that will be in the makings this September, with the cause of making students at Alta feel more included, as well as encourage pride in being a Hawk.

Looking at the experiences of students as members of the LIA organization, student and current LIA president Eduardo Medina shares, “Latinos in Action has helped me a lot to feel more included in school. I’ve also learned a lot of new things, and it has made my High school experience a lot easier, and more fun. It has also helped me get more involved in Alta.”

Students will be able to learn more about LIA’s purpose and its importance with Multicultural Week coming up in October. It is important that everyone is given the opportunity to learn more about how to make themselves part of a great and inclusive community here at Alta High School, and to learn more on how to become a leader.