WESTMINSTER : Student Welcomes Leadership Role

Rudy Villicana thinks of himself as an ordinary high school student.

But to his peers and teachers at Westminster High School, the 17-year-old represents hope for the future.

In recognition of his leadership skills, Villicana was one of 200 students throughout California selected to attend the California Teen Leadership Program in Long Beach this weekend.

“It feels good to know that people look up to me,” said Villicana, who is student body president-elect. “I’ve never had someone say that they look up to me, but people come to me for advice.”

The leadership program, in its second year in California, sent out 10,000 invitations to 1,600 high schools throughout the state. Students were chosen through recommendations from past participants and school counselors.

Villicana is “considered an outstanding leader,” said Anji Clemens, vice principal of Westminster High. “We’re very proud of him, and in every way, shape and form he’s a role model for all the students.”

Villicana, who will be a senior in September, was a perfect candidate, agrees Laura Hellenthal, state director of the program. He has been involved in student government for three years, is an honor student and a varsity football letterman, and is involved in the community and his church.

“I remember him from his application,” Hellenthal said. “He’s exactly the kind of student we like to have.”

Villicana, who said he wants to become a sports therapist, hopes the workshop will help him make a difference when he assumes his duties as student body president.

“Westminster is really culturally diverse,” he said. “I want to bring unity to the school. A lot of minorities don’t get involved in school activities, and I want to get them involved.”

During the program, which begins tonight and concludes Sunday with an awards ceremony, students will participate in seminars and speakers will discuss leadership skills.

“These students have a lot of insecurities about who they are, and we talk about what is standing in the way of feeling successful,” Hellenthal said.

Among the speakers are a blind man and a quadriplegic, both of whom became disabled while in high school. They will discuss how they overcame their limitations.

“These students have problems as well,” Hellenthal said. “Not as major as being paralyzed, but they may have problems in their home life, with their friends. . . . We address their problems and how they can push past them.”

Villicana, who is Latino, said he hopes he can inspire other minorities to push past barriers they might face.

“I can show them it’s not only just Caucasians--they can make a difference too,” he said.