Over 70 freshmen at Americas High School started their voyage into the world of law and government as they were pinned at the Libertas Academy ceremony on August 27, according to Socorro ISD. The Class of 2029 scholars celebrated their initiation into an advanced academy designed to forge paths to careers in law enforcement, law, government, and public administration. Freshman Hayden Clark, pinned by his mom, is eyeing a career in law enforcement. He told Socorro ISD, "The Libertas program helps you study law. It gives you a better understanding of law, even government. It has both pathways, and I went through it because I wanted to go (into) law enforcement. So, I want to better understand the law and help me interpret it in my job."
Being one of its kind in El Paso and among only four in Texas, the Libertas Academy not only offers college credit through dual credit and advanced placement courses but also leadership and public speaking skill development. Selected through a lottery, these students are poised to become more competitive for college and future career opportunities. Awaiting to hand over the pins to eager students were their mentors, family members, or any significant person they chose, grounding them in community and support.
Nikki Silvas, district director for Texas state Rep. Mary González, pushed her daughter, Aubrey Erives, to apply, confident of the program’s value, having previously set up an internship for Libertas seniors in the state rep's office. "I'm excited that my daughter's finally a freshman, and she got into the program," Silvas enthused in an interview with Socorro ISD. "We were really praying for her to get into the program, and since it's a lottery, we were just like, let's just hope for the best, and if you get it, it's great. And she got it!"
Amanda Stevens, the Libertas Academy coordinator, highlighted the pinning ceremony's significance, as it represents the students' induction into the legal community. She told Socorro ISD, "Perhaps they will pursue legal careers or government careers. They'll be our lawyers, judges, and politicians of the future. But if not, they're going to be engaged citizens who are going to vote and be active and know what it is to partake in our democracy. That's really important for us. We really want them to have a civic engagement experience at the end of the four years in the program." As the families and local dignitaries applauded, the achievements of these young individuals scripted the beginning of an active part in the dynamics of democracy.
