Carlos Urtecho, a senior at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, can trace his college success back to his high school days in Howard County.

In 2006, Urtecho, now 20, spent his senior year at Mt. Hebron High School working with Conexiones Inc., a nonprofit group dedicated to the advancement of Hispanic students in Howard County.

Conexiones representatives helped him create a club for Hispanic students and eventually awarded Urtecho a college scholarship for his display of leadership.

"I haven't pictured myself as a leader, but if I could pinpoint a (turning point), it would be my senior year of high school," said Urtecho, who founded the UMBC chapter of Campus Crusade for Christ.

Conexiones was honored Sept. 29 with the 2009 Governor's Hispanic Heritage Award from the Governor's Commission on Hispanic Affairs for their work with students and schools in Howard County.

The award acknowledges the group's commitment to the quality of life of Hispanics in Maryland.

The scholarship program Urtecho benefited from awards $10,000 annually to Hispanic students in Howard County.

Awards are given based on students' academic success, leadership or triumph over a personal hardship.

Conexiones will host a silent auction and fashion show fundraiser for the scholarship program Oct. 16 at Long Reach High School.

Conexiones President Felícita Solá-Carter said the scholarship is a critical piece of Conexiones mission, because it enables students to pursue education beyond high school.

"Our bottom line purpose is to make sure that every student is able to achieve his dream. To do that, it is really important that a child is very successful in school," she said.

Conexiones, which was founded in 2000 by Murray Simon, a Columbia resident noted for his work with the Hispanic community, also maintains an official partnership with Howard County Public Schools.

"It's all about making connections," Solá-Carter said. "It's about bringing people together. It's about facilitating access."

The partnership with the schools enables the group to help students like Urtecho start clubs and host other activities.

"We reached out to Hispanic students and even to students who weren't Hispanic, but may be interested in the culture," Urtecho said. "It was a great place to come to learn about different resources in the county."

Solá-Carter said success among Howard County's Hispanic students has improved since the group began working with schools. However, according to the state Department of Education, the 2009 graduation rate for Hispanic students is 84 percent, still lower than the 96.6 percent county-wide rate.

Elisa Montalvo, a Hispanic achievement specialist for the school system, said 10 of the county's 12 high schools have Hispanic clubs, each with an average of 40 to 50 members.

"I think they enrich the life of our students," Montalvo said of Conexiones. "I think they are a great partner because one of the goals of the school system is that all children achieve their full potential, and that that is their goal specific to Hispanic students."

Conexiones fundraiser

What: Silent auction and fashion show, featuring cafe, cultura y mucho azucar (coffee, culture and lots of sugar)

When: Oct. 16, 7 p.m.

Where: Long Reach High School, 6101 Old Dobbin Lane, Columbia

Cost: $25

More information: www.conexioneshc.org

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user comments (1)

user gmendez says...

Great article, it displays how a community organization can help a young man grow up to be an inspiration to others. What a positive difference we can all make by giving back, even a little. Let's all continue to support each other, thank you for sharing.

Posted 6:23 PM, 10.09.09 | Permalink