Central High School has announced that it has completed its first semester as an affiliated chapter of Hispanic Organization Promoting Education, or HoPe.
HoPe is a nonprofit dedicated to building communities for Hispanic/Latino students. It provides students with a place that empowers them to thrive and grow holistically through leadership development, educational attainment and social responsibility.
Founded in 2009 with one school and 20 members, HoPe has continued to grow, allowing students to become trailblazers by establishing a signature after-school program, HoPe Leadership Chapters. Since 2009, HoPe has expanded its youth leadership development and educational attainment programming to over 91 high schools.
Spanish teacher Lee Burson began the process years ago to help HoPe expand at Central High. He said he saw the untapped potential of Latino students at Central.
“HoPe is an amazing organization that has years of proven success whose intention is to grow leaders as well as have students learn about educational opportunities while they give back to their school,” he said.
Burson said the organization equips legacy leaders who aren’t just officers—they train, lead meetings, serve and then pass on that role to the next generation of leaders.
“I treasure our CHS’ Hope chapter because it brings a closeness with my fellow Latino classmates I never thought I would achieve,” said Gen Rivera, club president. “I am extremely grateful we are able to make a difference here at Central.”
Legacy Leaders are the driving force behind the HoPe Chapter. They include Vice President of Education Genesis Solís Juárez; President Genesis Rivera; Vice President of Service Emanuel Palax Ocampo; and Vice President of Marketing Itzel Martínez. Burson serves as teacher sponsor.
