Two HHS Students Represent Long Island at Statewide Institute Focused on AI and Democracy
Two Harborfields High School students were selected to represent Long Island at the 36th Annual Angelo Del Toro Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute (PRHYLI) in Albany, joining peers from across New York State to examine the role of artificial intelligence in modern democracy.
Yoselin Benitez Almendares and Vincenza Czekaj were chosen as delegates to the competitive, statewide program, an achievement made even more notable by the rare selection of two students from the same district.
For more than three decades, PRHYLI has provided students with an immersive look at the legislative process while fostering conversations around issues affecting Hispanic youth and communities. In the months leading up to the Albany conference, the Harborfields students participated in regional workshops alongside ENL teacher, Anna Cervini, building skills in public speaking, debate, civic engagement, and advocacy.
At the Albany conference, students collaborated on the theme “AI in the Age of Democracy,” exploring how emerging technologies are shaping civic life. Yoselin was selected as the moderator, an honor awarded to standout participants, where she led the group presentations and facilitated discussions among her peers.
Students also took part in a mock legislative session at the New York State Capitol. They debated and voted on proposed bills, presenting and discussing issues in both English and Spanish while following formal assembly procedures.
During their time in Albany, the students also met with Assemblyman Phil Ramos to discuss their roles as young Hispanic leaders in their communities.
The conference concluded with an awards gala, where Vincenza was named an "Outstanding Student Delegate,” placing her among just seven students statewide to receive the distinction. As part of the honor, she will travel to Puerto Rico in November for an educational experience focused on the island’s legislative process and rich cultural traditions.
“All in all, it was truly an eye-opening and inspiring weekend,” said Mrs. Anna Cerivini, ENL teacher and chaperone of the PRHYLI trips. “Both of our Harborfields students were recognized out of the entire group, whether it was Yoselin as the moderator or Vincenza receiving the outstanding delegate award. I am so proud of their achievements!”