Last year, Mrs. Jackie Gonzales (Former CHS Teacher/Current Snell Middle School Librarian) and Mrs. Judy Cruz (Counselor) worked collaboratively to connect students with information pertaining to the Dionisio "Dennis" Chavez LDZ (Lorenzo De Zavala) Youth Legislative Session. Working together with the National Hispanic Institute co-founder Gloria de Leon, they coordinated a presentation for Cobre High School juniors last year (2021-2022). 

As a result, we had Cobre High School students apply to the free intensive program which was held at the University of New Mexico, June 12-19. Ms. De Leon had mentioned to Mrs. Cruz that they had never had any representation from Cobre Schools, Silver Schools, or Cliff Schools.

So naturally, we gave it our best shot and two of our students were selected. Miss Keana Huerta, and Mr Matthew Chavez, were selected from Cobre High School, making them the first two students chosen from Grant County. 

In the words of Miss Huerta and Mr. Chavez

“The Dionisio “Dennis” Chavez New Mexico LDZ is a youth leadership camp filled with many unexpected challenges and hurdles. The experience pushes participants to change their mindset and find their voice. The transformative experience made its way back into New Mexico for the first time in 20 years. We attended this program along with over 100 selected students ages 16-17. We were challenged to focus not on the problems of the Latino Community but leveraging the assets the community provides. We had debates, and passed laws in mock legislative sessions held at the state capital. The week-long quest covered a broad array of skills, competencies, personal growth opportunities, and topics of international relevance of Latino quality of life.” 

At the end of the week, Miss Huerta was elected as Lieutenant Governor and Mr. Chavez received an award as the best debater in the house. 

Keana and Matthew will be instrumental in recruiting more Grant County students to attend this program. They will collaborate with Mrs. Cruz this school year to encourage more students to apply. For more information, please contact Judy Cruz at 575-537-4020 or via email at jcruz@cobreschools.org.