If he can do it, so can you! The community is invited to a special event designed to excite and inspire Hispanic students about their future. Actor and children's advocate Edward James Olmos will be the keynote speaker at the first-ever HOPE Conference, which will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sat., Feb. 16, at Overland High School, 12400 E. Jewell Ave. in Aurora.

HOPE, which stands for Hispanic Opportunities in Public Education, is free and open to the public, and will be presented in both English and Spanish. The conference will focus on empowering students and engaging the community in raising the academic achievement of all students and closing the achievement gap between Hispanic and white and Asian students. It is sponsored by the Hispanic Parent Leadership Group at Prairie Middle School in the Cherry Creek School District.

Check-in begins at 8 a.m. followed by exciting and inspiring activities for students and adults. For example, during student break-out sessions, elementary and middle school students will watch clips from 'Stand and Deliver,' starring Olmos, then participate in activities related to the movie that will help them develop skills and strategies for success in school.

High school students will hear from Vince Valdez, head coach of the 2007 State Champion Lincoln High School basketball team and senior team member Saul Torres, a 4.0 student who immigrated here from Mexico. Students will work on strategies for academic success, and learn about challenging and rewarding career opportunities from panel of professionals in medical and scientific fields.

During the adult break-out sessions, Richard Garcia from the Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition will encourage parents to get involved in their school community. Hispanic principals from Denver area elementary, middle and high schools will share their personal experiences and explain the success their schools are having in closing the achievement gap. An immigration attorney will also answer about questions about educational issues as they relate to immigration.

Finally, Olmos, an Academy Award nominee and Tony award winner, as well as an active advocate for children, will talk about the importance of education, making good choices and taking personal responsibility for one's actions and success in life. Olmos, who grew up in East Los Angeles, an area infamous for gang and drug problems, uses his own disadvantaged background as an example when he tells kids, "If I can do it, so can you!"

For more information about the HOPE Conference, contact Prairie Middle School at 720-747-3004.

HOPE Conference
Hispanic Opportunities in Public Education
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Overland High School

8:15-9:00 a.m. Mariachi Band and Dancers

9:00-9:15 a.m. Welcome from Dr. Kandy Cassaday, Principal, Prairie Middle School, and Dr. Jana Frieler, Principal, Overland High School

9:15-10:00 a.m. Father and Son presentation featuring Antonio Esquibel, Board of Trustees, Metropolitan State College, and his son, Antonio Esquibel, Principal, Abraham Lincoln High School

10:15-11:45 a.m. Student and Adult Breakout Sessions

11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Lunch break featuring $5 meals from Chipotle, El Pollo Loco, Las Fajitas and Quiznos.

12:45-1:00 p.m. Message from Dr. Monte Moses, Superintendent, Cherry Creek Schools

1:00-2:00 p.m. Edward James Olmos, Keynote Speaker