By Shareeza Sharif, Courier Staff Writer
The Puente leadership award is given to a senior that displays strong leadership inside and outside the classroom throughout their high school career. Puente is a program that first generation students can join their freshman year in order to get prepared for college and ready for their future.
This year’s recipient is Omar Mercedes, a hard working, determined, and ambitious student with amazing potential.
“I remember hearing about the award as a sophomore and was impressed that Puente acknowledged hard working students so I worked towards it,” said Mercedes.
Omar is involved in leadership, Link Crew, Colts’ College Opportunity Program (CCOP), the president of EAOP club, an athlete tutor, soccer captain, and enjoys community service working with local soccer teams, as well as feeding the homeless.
Omar’s academic success shows through his three consecutive years of obtaining a place on the superintendent’s honor roll.
Ms.Meza, the Puente counselor said that “He was on top of his work since day one. Whenever he struggles he calls for assistance and doesn’t stop working until he gets the grades he desires.”
Ms. Hughes, Omar’s Puente English teacher, admired how he loves to learn and will always ask for more ways to gain more knowledge.
Omar has such an amazing determination in everything he does, whether it’s in school, on the soccer field, or within his group of friends. He has such an admirable personality, is always kind to everyone he meets, supportive, and generous. Everyone that meets Omar has plenty of positive things to say about him.
All of these things combined made him the best candidate for the award.
There is no denying that Omar Mercedes succeeds in everything he puts his mind to and will almost always turn out successful.