Rising Voices: Unity in Klamath Union's Latino Student Group

Winter 2024/25 Edition

By Eden Johnston

Klamath Union High School has many clubs to offer and one of these clubs in particular is a place where students can come together, fundraise, and enjoy culture. This club is Klamath Union’s Latino Student Group. Overseen by Karla Andrade, KU’s Latino Student group truly has a well-grounded community. “My favorite part about leading Latino Student Group is making sure I give students a voice who don't necessarily feel like they have another place to go in school, says Ms. Andrade. High school comes with its own difficulties and challenges, especially for underrepresented groups. Having a

special club, or space can help students feel seen, find others to relate with, and be represented, making a lifelong impact.

Although students of the Latino student group connect with their advisor and each other in a school setting, these students also face challenges outside of school. These connections and bonds through trials and tribulations can help students long-term. Ms. Andrade shows how relating to one person can give hope as she states, “Sometimes some students' parents may have never gone to college before or had the opportunity to go to have a higher education, or maybe didn’t even finish high school. When they’re able to see someone like them, that’s similar to them in some way, having someone to talk to them about their experience is super important.” Ms. Andrade is proof to students in the Latino student group that overcoming challenges that may seem momentarily impossible isn’t far-fetched at all, even if you grow up in a rural area. Through hard work, dedication, and passion, the life a student envisions can become a reality.