October - Giles High School

National Youth Leadership Forum
participant on National Security: Jake
Altizer
Photo by Janie Millirons
Securing the Future by Chelsey Williams
“Imagine being 16 or 17 years old and the responsibility of securing the United States at
home and abroad rests on your shoulders. Through specialized simulations, the National Youth
Leadership Forum on National Security strives to put students in the driver’s seat of building a
strategy that will uphold our national security,” said Marguerite Regan, Dean of Academic
Affairs for National Youth Leadership Forum. This fall student Jake Altizer was nominated to
travel to Washington D.C with people from across the United States and do just that.
To be eligible for this amazing journey, scholars have to be nominated by a teacher or
alumni of the program, be in tenth grade or above, and maintained at least a B plus average.
The Forum on National Security sets the strictest standards for nomination and enrollment.
Only the nation’s highest-achieving students qualify for selection.
The six day program gives student a chance to explore careers in national security,
intelligence, and the diplomatic corps. Scholars interact with policy makers and senior military
officers who provide insight into current conflicts. They also simulate a decision making
process similar to our nation’s policy makers. This helps them think critically and adjust to
speaking publicly. It also is an opportunity to take charge and become a leader.
Even though they worked hard, Jake still enjoyed himself. He loved meeting new people from
all over the country, and he also took pleasure in touring and sight seeing in Washington D.C.
everyday. Jake especially recommends this opportunity for students who are interested in
politics and national security.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage
by Janie Milliron
October is a month full of celebration; not only for Halloween enthusiasts but also for the lucky
few who are able to celebrate their Hispanic Heritage. October is designated as the month to
celebrate Hispanic Heritage, but sadly only a select few at Giles High School are able to celebrate
such a rich cultural background. One of those lucky few is junior Armando Carrillo.
Armando’s heritage comes from the soft rolling foothills of Mexico where both of his parents
were born. Armando, however, was not born in Mexico but instead he came to be in the blistering
heat of Huston, Texas. When Armando was five years old his family returned to Mexico to live for
a year. It was during this time that Armando was able to truly embrace his heritage, and become
fluent in Spanish.
After much moving around in Texas and Nevada, the Carrillo family decided to join one of
Armando’s uncles in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia. They opened a new Mexican Grill near Dairy Queen in Pearisburg
called La Barranca. On afternoons Armando can be found at his parents’ restaurant working as a waiter. He enjoys listening to the
mariachi music while he serves the food of his native land. Does he miss his far away home and relatives? Of course he does! He
cannot wait to see his grandparents, aunts and uncles in Mexico. But for now he is content with being in Giles County sharing his rich
heritage with us here.
Armando Carrillo
commemorates his Hispanic
heritage daily by speaking
Spanish at home.
201 Cascade Drive
Pembroke Virginia 24136
(540)-626-4567
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and relaxing.
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