FHLA stands for “Future Hispanic Leaders of America,” and it is an organization put together by schools in Idaho and an active club at Vallivue High. It was founded by Luis Caloca, a former VHS student, and Jose Soto, a student from Glenns Ferry High School. The goal of this organization was to lower the dropout rates in Idaho, motivate Hispanic students to be the best they can be, promote unity throughout our school and show the consequences of alcohol and drug abuse. It started with only four schools and now has 18 schools across the state plus hundreds of members and is still growing.

Ms. Arana, who runs the club at Vallivue High, wanted to make some things clear for people who don’t know much about FHLA. Although it’s called “Future Hispanic Leaders of America,” she said that this organization is not only open to Hispanic students. Students of any race can join this club and will be welcomed. She stated, “I want more students to join FHLA because it helps them have a better view of the community and it helps them with scholarships.” She also encourages people to join because, “In general it is just a fun club.” They host the well-known Cinco De Mayo party each Spring for VHS students.

FHLA does community service and fundraisers to help the club grow. Twice a year, the club attends a conference, one of which is the Health and Technology Conference. Most recently, the club attended the Hispanic Leadership Summit on September 26 at the College of Southern Idaho. At the summit, they award scholarships and provide leadership training. This year, VHS took about 20 students.

The two co-presidents of this club, seniors Itzel Martinez and Guadalupe Roman, work together to make this club better and keep it organized. Martinez told us, “I make the presentations, and keep them organized. I’m more the creative one, I like to make sure everything like the slideshows looks pretty.” We wanted to know why they wanted to become co-presidents, and Martinez replied, “I like having that leadership feel, and feel it’s a good opportunity. It’s also really good for college.” Roman said, “The reason I decided to take this position was to be a bigger part of the community and promote the Hispanic community.”

Do you want to be involved in FLHA? The club has an Instagram account (@vallivuehs.fhla) where you can follow what the club is doing and when they have meetings. You can also contact Ms. Arana in room 235 or email her at [email protected].