“A week that shapes a lifetime, developing tomorrow’s leaders.”
In short, this motto from American Legion California Boys and Girls state program reflects the chance given for students to be recognized as leaders both on campus and their community. Every year, one 11th-grade boy and girl student from each high school gets chosen based on leadership and character to attend a prestigious summer program in which they all come together to create a mock government. This program serves the purpose of teaching students about leadership and how our government works. Students are invited to the state capital to stay for a week around other students nominated to represent their school and community.
The group of both five boys and girls contestants were interviewed by Oxnard’s American Legion Auxiliary. Channel Islands counselor Mayra Viveros mentioned that the process of the boys and girls group interview was one that was beneficial for both her and the students to experience.
“It was very interesting to actually get to learn from each of the candidates and their backgrounds,” Viveros said.
This year’s Channel Islands High School boys representative is Rafael Vasquez. He is the Channel Island’s Junior class treasurer and activity commissioner for the Associated Student Body. Vasquez mentioned that he felt very fortunate to have been given this opportunity. “I feel very honored to represent the school,” said Vasquez.
Reflecting on his nomination, Vasquez reflected on being grateful for his upbringing, specifically his parents.
“My parents grew up having nothing and immigrated to this country to be able to give me a life full of opportunity.”
“To prepare myself for the interview, I did a lot of research about the program itself and commonly asked questions. I also used the help from UBCI, which I would like to give a big thank you to, for being able to guide me throughout the preparation.”
Vasquez credits Seniors Osbaldo Gutierrez and Rick Iniquez, who were previous winners of the program, and were “able to help me out greatly.” He also credited Upward Bound (UBCI) for helping him in his preparation for the interview process.
Carissa Martinez was selected as the winner for the Girls’ State school representative. She’s a Wellness Peer and is a committed student, currently taking a full schedule of AP courses. She mentioned that she was initially intimidated by the other candidates.
“I feel really accomplished by the fact that I won, especially because I competed against very smart and involved girls,” said Martinez.
To prepare for this opportunity, she knew that she had to do some research to see what it would take to be selected.
“I talked to Ms. Viveros, who brought in last year’s winner, Viviana Juarez, and they advised me about the types of questions that would be asked and what we had to wear,” she said.
Martinez is excited to experience the resources that will be made available that she believes will translate towards her future endeavors.
“This is a really good opportunity to improve my public speaking,” said Martinez. “Im excited to talk and meet new people to see different perspectives of their experiences in high school.”
“I want to find out what I can do to be more involved and connect it to my college applications next year.”
Both Martinez and Vasquez will represent Channel Islands High School at the 88th session of the American Legion California Boys and Girls State, scheduled to take place the week of June 20th on the campus of California State University Sacramento.
