The 2013 Student Leadership Series (SLS) broke new ground with three events held in California at Southwest Middle School and Southwest High School, both in San Diego.  The launch events were organized by Dr. Ted Martinez, Carmen Spurling, and Bill Virchis, an awesome team of professionals.  The launch included a press conference, organized by Anna Allee, president of the Alarus Agency.  Speaking at the press conference, which was covered by four television stations and two newspapers, were the Chair of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors Greg Cox, the Mayor of San Diego Bob Filner, and USHLI President Dr. Juan Andrade. 

Supervisor Cox said, "... I'm so glad to see a recognized national organization like the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute bring its Student Leadership Series to San Diego."..."Today's students are the leaders of tomorrow and we must do everything we can to help them achieve their full potential."  ... " Together, we will rededicate ourselves to providing our students with a better tomorrow."  Mayor Filner said "I am proud to welcome the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI) to San Diego! Their commitment to motivate over 1000 students in our region through their Student Leadership Series to stay in school and encourage them to continue their education is inspiring."  Andrade expressed his appreciation to the team of organizers, the elected officials present, and the participating schools.  Southwest Airlines is the Lead Sponsor of the SLS and was represented by SWA Community Affairs & Grassroots Manager and USHLI Board member Lidia S. Martinez.

USHLI is very grateful to Lee Romero, principal at Southwest High School where two events were held.  And estimated 800 Freshmen and Sophomores attended the events.  USHLI is also very grateful to Oscar Medina, principal at Southwest Middle School, where approximately 635 students attended our SLS event.  Our featured speaker was Jimmy Cabrera, rated among the best motivational speakers in the nation.   

SLS participating schools will see their students become better motivated, more involved in extracurricular activities, ask more questions in class, perform better on tests, and more determined to succeed academically and in life.  Absenteeism and truancy will decline.  Their dropout rate will decrease and the graduation rate will increase as more and more students accept the challenge to navigate their way through the academic achievement pipeline toward success in life and career.  Over 41,626students in 16 states have been reached to date in 2013.