Cairo-Durham students excel in Hispanic Youth Leadership Program

CAIRO―For Cairo-Durham High School students Isaias and Ruth Romero, debate has become an opportunity to solidify their future career goals and strengthen their leadership and civic engagement skills.

The Venezuelan-born siblings Isaias (Class of 2026) and Ruth (Class of 2027) have distinguished themselves through their active participation in the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute (PR/HYLI).

PR/HYLI is a statewide program that provides Hispanic students with firsthand experiences in government while strengthening leadership, critical thinking, and public speaking skills.

In April, students from across New York State gathered for the 36th annual PR/HYLI Weekend at the New York State Capitol. Participants debated real legislation during a Mock Assembly, learned about the legislative process, and met prominent leaders in government and education.

For Ruth Romero, a three-year participant in PR/HYLI, the experience was really rewarding. She was selected as an Outstanding Student Delegate, an honor awarded to junior students that also includes an educational trip to Puerto Rico this fall. She was additionally chosen to perform both the United States and Puerto Rican National Anthems during the program.

“This year's debate is really meaningful for everyone,” Ruth said. “Being able to debate such an important bill in a mock trial is meaningful to me. Debate is not just about arguing or sharing your ideas but making a good point and supporting it with evidence.”

Ruth's passion for civic engagement is rooted in her own experiences. As an immigrant who has navigated multiple school systems and cultures, she has become a strong advocate for inclusion and student voice. She founded Cairo-Durham's Debate Club, serves in several student leadership roles, and hopes to pursue a career in law and government.

“When I go to law school in the future, I would really love to work in government, maybe be a senator,” she said. “I'm really passionate about human rights and activism and helping make our community's voices seen and heard.”

Her older brother, Isaias, also earned significant recognition through PR/HYLI this year. He was named an Outstanding Student Delegate for seniors and received one of the program's highest scholarships. He also served as Master of Ceremonies during the banquet and was selected to deliver remarks during official program events.

“Debate for me was hard at the beginning,” Isaias said. “But being passionate about the issues, doing my research, and talking to different people made me realize how powerful debate can be. I am able to speak freely in front of other people without feeling less than anyone else.”

In early June, Isaias represented the region at the PR/HYLI Leadership Weekend and Gala in Washington, D.C., an opportunity earned through his achievements in the program. This fall, he will attend Binghamton University, where he plans to study political science.

“I’m excited to learn from people with different points of view,” Isaias said. “I’m really proud of where I am right now and where I’m going to be.”

Both siblings were selected to represent their community in PR/HYLI's Mock Trial program. Ruth credits their success in part to a family environment that encouraged thoughtful discussion and respectful disagreement from an early age.

“We often see things differently, but we've learned to respect those differences and use them as opportunities to grow,” she said. “Challenging each other's perspectives has helped us strengthen our thinking and improve how we build arguments together.”

As Isaias prepares for college and Ruth begins a summer internship, their accomplishments reflect the opportunities programs like PR/HYLI provide for Hispanic students. For Cairo-Durham Central School District, their achievements serve as an inspiring example of how students can thrive when given opportunities to discuss real-world issues, develop leadership skills, and pursue their ambitions. In a district with a small Hispanic student population, programs like PR/HYLI help ensure that students feel seen, represented, and empowered to grow as leaders and prepare for future success.