September 24, 1999El Puente Student Writes Way To National Conference
An award-winning essay on youth violence written by Cheryl Villapania, a 10th grade student at El Puente Community School in Santa Barbara, won her a slot at a prestigious national teen conference in Washington D.C.
Villapania will be one of three students from the congressional district of Representative Lois Capps to attend "Voices Against Violence: A Congressional Teen Conference," Oct. 19 and 20, representing students throughout the congressional district. A scholarship made possible by Cox Communications and Women Against Gun Violence will cover travel expenses.
Every high school in the Capps congressional district was invited to select one student to write an essay and apply for this opportunity.
The conference will provide selected students with a unique opportunity to share their views, concerns, and ideas with members of congress, federal law enforcement officials, education officials, and leaders in the entertainment industry.
Wrote Congresswoman Capps in her letter of congratulations: "The goal of this summit is to involve teens· in the nationwide debate on preventing youth violence. You·will develop strategies for working together to tackle this problem, both nationally and in your school and community."
El Puente principal Cecilia Gutierrez said she was proud of Villapania and her teacher Terry Roof. "El Puente School was pleased to be included in the invitation and absolutely delighted to have a student selected for this honor," said Gutierrez. "Cheryl wrote a wonderful essay and we are so proud that her efforts were acknowledged in such a prestigious manner."
El Puente community schools are part of the Court and Community School program of the Santa Barbara County Education Office.