Young Latinos Address Meaning of Education : Achievement: Contest quizzes 25 college-bound speakers on the importance of schooling to their community.

Rebecca Gomez said she’ll never forget the pride in her parents eyes when her older sister was accepted into UCLA. The Saddleback High School senior vowed then and there that she would do the same.

And she succeeded, applying to three universities and being accepted by each.

So Gomez was able to speak from the heart Thursday at a public speaking contest in which 25 college-bound Latinos answered the question, “What does education mean to the Latino family?”

“Latinos want education as much as the next group,” said Gomez, who plans to enroll as a premed student at UCLA next year. “The problem is that the odds are against many of us financially and we aren’t able to achieve our dreams.”

The contest was sponsored by Serafines de Orange County, a nonprofit organization formed by the California Angels to promote education for Latinos. A $700 first prize will go to the winner, who will be announced today.

Contestant Tom Saenz, a senior at El Modena High School in Orange, said the money would come in handy when he starts classes at Cal State Fullerton in the fall.

Saenz, 18, came to the contest dressed in his best pair of gray slacks, a blue sports coat and a shiny pair of black shoes. Admittedly nervous, he nevertheless spoke with conviction when expressing his views on the topic.

“One of the major problems we face today is a lack of role models,” Saenz told the judges. “If more of us get an education, we’ll be able to be role models for future generations of Latinos. An educated Latino will change our image and more Latino leaders will emerge. As Latinos, we need to take control of our own destinies.”

In an interview after his speech, Saenz credited his parents with encouraging him to make something of his life.

“My dad and mom took us away from the barrio and away from problems,” Saenz said. “Being away from those kinds of things made it easier to concentrate on my education and goals.”

Westminster High School senior Angelica Villicana, 18, also said that encouragement from her parents helped her to become a straight-A student and student body treasurer.

“I feel like I’m standing out not just among Latinos, but among all races,” said Villicana, who also has been accepted into UCLA.

Villicana’s mother, Lourdes, said she is happy to see that her daughter will be getting the education that she couldn’t afford for herself.

“Your education is something you take with you no matter where you are,” Lourdes Villicana said. “I think it’s very important to stress the positive and make sure you build your child’s self-esteem. If they have that, they can deal with anything.”

Contest judge Monica Jimenez, an attorney, said of the students: “It’s so impressive to see such direction, enthusiasm, determination and accelerated goals.”

Before the contest began, organizer Manuel Escalentec encouraged the students to speak from the heart and said they would be judged only on originality, organization and vocabulary. Unlike a Toastmasters’ event which emphasizes speaking skills, these students didn’t have to worry about eye contact, hand gestures and vocal delivery.

“This isn’t a popularity contest,” Escalente said. “This is a chance for them to voice their opinions.”

The consensus among the contestants seemed to be that education is a much more viable alternative than dropping out or joining gangs.

“Gangs aren’t worth all the trouble. You can get killed,” John Martinez, a senior at Canyon High School in Orange, said in an interview before the contest. “I’d rather be a leader instead.”