February 2017
East Leyden High School
3400 Rose Street
Franklin Park, IL 60131
Local Families and Leyden Students:
Undocumented & Unnerved Mariana Urueta-Hernandez
Behind a row of worn down pews, the circle of Mexican and Latino teens buzzes with quiet chatter. The conversation turns from unfinished homework to complaints of being dragged to church. But underneath, there also lies a subtle tension. And eventually, the teens start to voice their anxiety, passing around hurried questions and rumors. Rosa Gonzales* is currently a sophomore at East Leyden. “I heard more ICE raids are scheduled, and that they’re even arresting DACA holders.” The words are false, but they serve to illustrate the paranoia currently gripping many Leyden families and students. While campaigning, Donald Trump took a hard line stance on immigration, and he’s followed through shortly after his inauguration, signing an executive order on January 25 that expanded number of undocumented immigrants who need to worry. Previously, officials had prioritized for deportation those undocumented immigrants who threatened public safety *No real names appear in this story.
or committed violent crimes. President Trump’s executive order includes those with less violent criminal offenses, such as fraud. It’s worth noting that the Obama administration deported around 2 million individuals and that some of the current actions were planned prior to President Trump’s inauguration. What students like Gonzales are worrying about may not be a “crackdown.” Previous immigration enforcement operations have largely occurred silently. But the combination of President Trump’s hard-line stance and the expansion of those facing deportation from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - a subdivision of Homeland Security and better known as ICE - have led to immigration taking center stage. And Leyden students are watching. “I myself was born here and so was my brother, but my parents don’t have papers, so I’m really scared for them,” Gonzales stated. ICE targeted enforcement actions, often called “raids,” where officers enter apart-
In early February, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) launched a series of targeted enforcement operations across the country. Photo from ice.gov
ment buildings and work sites or set up checkpoints have been visible news items across states as Illinois, Los Angeles, and Washington among many more. Earlier this month, one person was arrested in nearby Melrose Park, a village that had been considering passing a “Welcoming Village” ordinance, which would serve to limit the amount of information that local law enforcement can share with ICE and other federal agencies pertaining to immigrants. Leyden senior Claudia* Hernandez commented on the effect these events have had on her: “It’s weird. You would think I’d be stressed at school but it’s different now. I’m really anxious about what might happen even now. Not just for me, but I’m worried about my entire family too.”
Another senior, Raul* Espinosa explained that President Trump has done little to ease worries, despite reassurance that “Dreamers,” a term used to refer to the undocumented children of immigrants who have been granted temporary deferrals from deportation, will see the DACA program continue. “I feel like it all sucks. Everyone wants to deport us, but they don’t even know how much this country runs on immigrants,” he said, explaining how events have taken a toll on his entire family, with neither he nor his siblings sleeping or eating well with the constant worry. “Yeah, all my grades have gone down,” he said, “especially in serious classes, but it’s hard to care when I might not even make it to graduation.” (Continued on next page.)
Awarding Inspirational Eagles Autumn McGee @autumnmcgee_
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s she walked up confidently to receive her Inspirational Eagle Award, Irma Tovar thought about how different her life had become since starting high school. She’s faced challenges, and the moment gave her an opportunity to be grateful and to be honored for her improvement. Senior Irma Tovar, along with 21 other students from East and West Leyden, received this year’s Inspirational Eagle Award. It’s not like any other award Leyden gives throughout the East and West Leyden Inspirational Eagle Award winners following the dinner. school year. According to Frank Holthouse, Director of Careers and Com- thing was going okay.” Tovar also stated that but its name also suggests that they are munity Outreach, this event allows students if things weren’t going so well, they would regarded as role models for other Leyden to be recognized for improvement and for work on plans and set goals. “All of my students. They can have a positive impact their ability to maintain excellence in aca- teachers wanted me to succeed,” she said. on others in the school, making Leyden a demics, attendance, behavior, and overall Keeping her grades up and staying out of more unified district. citizenship. In other words, these students trouble wasn’t a problem anymore due to “Everyone who received this illustrate how to “commit to excellence.” her resilience and the support around her award has faced obstacles in their life,” Hol While all 22 winners have unique at Leyden. “My attitude toward staff and thouse said. “The difference is the choice to stories, Tovar’s recognition stems from an students is different now. I am more positive persevere. Congratulations to everyone who improvement in her attitude toward school overall,” Tovar said. has been selected you have truly earned this and a reduction in trouble. As a freshman, Stories like these, showing the honor.” Tovar had fallen behind in the transition intersection of hard-working students and Tovar said her story can “inspire process and even considered dropping a supportive school, are the hallmark of students to do better and put other things out. Motivated by her younger brother, for the Inspirational Eagle Awards. In a dinner that don’t matter aside because what really whom she couldn’t set a bad example, Tovar and ceremony on Tuesday, February 21, all matters is how well you do in school and pushed herself to change her habits. 22 winners (11 from the East campus and the type of attitude you have. I want others At the ceremony, Tovar made it 11 from the West campus) were honored, to change for themselves and not for anyone evident that her teachers helped with this joined by their parents or other family else.” improvement. Lisa DeWelde, one of the members as well as teachers whom they This event was funded by the teachers that nominated her for the award, wanted to thank. Each student received a Rotary Club, a fellowship that works to set helped Tovar through RENEW—a program trophy, certificate, and a small gift in honor up service projects and deals with business that helped her stay on track with school of their recognition. networking. They encourage and promote work, attendance, and good behavior. “I Not only did the Inspirational leadership and success among individuals worked with Mrs. DeWelde,” Tovar ex- Eagle Awards recognize those who faced like the Inspirational Eagle award winners. plained, “and she always made sure every- tough obstacles and overcame challenges,
Wisdom from the Winners Francis Bedolla “I’m just honored to be recognized for four years of hard work that I have invested into Leyden and to be appreciated for that hard work.” Hilda Mendoza “Si se puede, no importa los obstaculos en el camino.” Kermira Rockett “Winning the Inspirational Eagle Award has really touched me because now all my hard work over the years is really starting to pay off.” Irma Tovar “It is always good to have the help of teachers and family to support you. I want to thank Mrs. Maldonado and Mrs. DeWelde for helping me change my bad habits.” Mariana Mishchanchuk “This award is the biggest honor, which makes students work harder for the future and accomplish new goals.” Valentina Nacheva “I would’ve never gotten the award if it wasn’t for my wonderful teachers who supported me all the way through freshman, sophomore and junior year. Thank You!”