Parents of students entering the Libertas Academy at Americas High School this fall learned a valuable lesson from their children about their constitutional rights. The students participated in the weeklong Libertas Academy Spring Civics Institute during spring break, where they presented to their parents on the First Amendment and discussed significant court cases that have shaped freedoms related to religion, speech, the press, assembly, and petition.
“We wanted (students) to have that ability to present what they've learned,” said Saul Anaya, Libertas Academy coordinator and instructor. “I think that was an important component. Any kid can look at material, can create a PowerPoint, but, you know, it does take a lot more effort and confidence to be able to present it to strangers, to other students.”
Over 100 scholars participated in the ninth annual civics bridge camp from March 10-13, which was designed to help eighth graders successfully transition to high school and the Libertas Academy during their freshman year. Incoming students in the P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) Law Enforcement program also attended the camp. Additionally, the camp included current Libertas students, who acted as mentors and counselors.
“Honestly, I would give it a 10 out of 10,” said Sofia Hernandez, an eighth grader at Eastlake Middle School and an aspiring lawyer. “It was really helpful just like getting the basics and like to help us see how the next four years could be.”
Libertas Academy is a one-of-a-kind program in El Paso and one of four programs in Texas designed to prepare scholars for career and college readiness in law, government and public administration.
During the camp, students learned about the First Amendment and examined significant court cases related to it. The camp also helped them build critical skills in public speaking, critical thinking and collaboration.
Marco Torres’s team presentation focused on freedom of speech in public schools.
“This camp helped us just learn more about the law and how much more it affects us in school and in regular life,” said Torres, an eighth grader at Col. John O. Ensor Middle School.
On the last day, students presented to their parents what they learned during the week.
Raymond Trujillo’s son, Santiago Trujillo, was one of the presenters. Raymond Trujillo said he was impressed by the depth and research behind each presentation. He was particularly interested in the impact of censorship on freedom of expression.
“To me, the First Amendment is very important for every generation because it protects our rights as a citizen. So, this is something that’s awesome, and I’m glad to see all these kids getting into it,” Raymond Trujillo said.
Although the Libertas Academy and the P-TECH Law Enforcement program are separate, Saul Anaya said that the camp provided an opportunity for P-TECH students like Sophia Marquez to understand how the law influences police systems and functions.
Marquez, an eighth grader at Capt. Walter E. Clarke Middle School, said the camp provided her with a head start for high school.
“I've learned a lot here. I love it. It's really interesting. It's nice to learn different things, and I like meeting new people. I like just warming up for school for next year,” Marquez said.