U-46 hosts Parent Leadership Institute graduation

Elgin Area School District U-46 recently recognized African-American and Hispanic parents who had completed two years in the district's Parent Leadership Institutes.

CEO Tony Sanders applauds this year's class of parent graduates for dedicating themselves to the comprehensive program.

"Each year we say congratulations to our seniors as they leave U-46," Sanders said. "It's important we also acknowledge our parents who participate within the community and grow as leaders. We'd like to extend our congratulations to these parent leadership Class of 2016 graduates."

The African American Parent Leadership Institute and Hispanic Parent Leadership Institute held a graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 21, at Elgin High School, to honor their completion of the program as well as recognize parents who have completed the first year of the program.

The AAPLI and HPLI provide leadership training and guide parents to become more active participants in their child's education. The program helps U-46 parents enhance their leadership and networking skills.

Jocelyn Hines-Williams and Tangela Young will graduate from AAPLI.

The HPLI graduates are: Judith Canelo, Cristina Colunga, Cuahutémoc Conejo, Grisel León, Miriam Mata and Elizabeth Tapia.

More than 80 parents have graduated from the AAPLI and HPLI since they were established in 2010. Some, like board member Veronica Noland, have gone on to become elected officials. Another, Carlos Chavez, served as trustee for the Gail Borden Library and Corey Dixon now is a commissioner for the city of Elgin.

U-46 will host informational meetings at the Educational Services Center, 355 E. Chicago St. in Elgin, at the following times and dates:

• 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Thursday, June 16;

• 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 6;

• 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24;

• 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30.