After moving from Guatemala, Maria C. cemented her legacy at Wilmer Hutchins High School during her sophomore year by founding a League of United Latin American Citizens chapter, a tradition that will continue long after she graduates.
“I’ve been here for four years, and in my first year, I was shy,” she said. “I was the one sitting in the back, just surviving school. Then, my teachers saw my potential and started taking me to the front to be a leader.”
Now a senior, she leads the chapter of nearly 30 students whose cultures represent Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras, Cuba, and El Salvador.
With the support of her Spanish II teacher, Norma Cortez, Maria founded the club to expand Hispanic representation on campus, while also giving students opportunities to learn about civic engagement, fundraising, and organizing events.
“It was hard at the beginning because none of the kids wanted to join, so I told them we would learn together along the way,” Cortez said. “Little by little, I started getting to know the LULAC community outside the school and taught our kids to start applying to colleges and scholarships.”
Emiliano A., the club’s treasurer, said the experience has given members a space to feel seen.
“Representation is important because it’s one of the biggest things you can do for yourself and your community. Educating others about your culture helps reduce division and make a difference.”
Through recruiting members like Emiliano, planning service projects, and attending state and national LULAC conventions, Maria learned how to build a community from scratch while giving students firsthand experience with civic engagement. They observed elections, listened to debates on proposed amendments, and gained early exposure to the responsibilities of voting and advocacy.
“I have Salvadorian, Puerto Rican, and Mexican friends,” Emiliano said. “But we never really talked about culture until LULAC. That’s why I enjoy it; I see people who speak the same language and share similar experiences.”
Today, the chapter has grown into a vibrant space embraced and nurtured by students across the campus.
“I don’t see myself as ‘the president,’” Maria said. “They elected me, but I’m here for them. We are a team of good friends. I’m like their ‘big sis.’ I think we do a great job of creating community because the members have a second place to call home.”
Maria’s leadership is recognized at the district, state, and national levels. She was named “sweetheart” of LULAC District III, later earned the title of Ms. LULAC Texas State in New Braunfels, and was recognized as National Woman of the Year at the organization’s national convention in Long Beach, Calif. She also won the election as vice president for young adults at the national level.
“When I got sweetheart, I was so excited, nervous. I thought, ‘they chose me and if my team believes in me, I need to believe in me,’” Maria said. “I’m leaving this year, but I know they are in good hands.”
From attending state and national conventions to leading campus initiatives, Wilmer Hutchins’ LULAC students are showing what it means to embrace their heritage and step into leadership roles.
Though Maria is graduating from Wilmer-Hutchins, the LULAC club she shaped with energy and dedication will carry on, and she’ll continue making her mark on the LULAC organization at college.
