EL MONTE – El Monte Union High School District’s (EMUHSD) male students honed their leadership abilities through workshops during the District’s inaugural CABALLEROS: California Boys Acquiring Lifelong Learner Educational Resources On Success Event on Nov. 18 at El Monte High School (EMHS), which included keynote speakers and activities geared toward personal growth and success.

The engaging workshops covered essential topics such as image and etiquette, mental health, physical fitness and financial literacy.

“It is a pleasure for me to be here with our young CABALLEROS today; Caballeros is the Spanish word for gentlemen,” EMUHSD Board President Ricardo Padilla said. “I feel it is extremely important we share our experiences and stories with our next generation of leaders so that we can help guide them in the right direction and prepare them for life. Thank you to El Monte Union for hosting this event and ensuring our students have the tools and resources they need to succeed in their academic and personal goals.”

The event kicked off with a continental breakfast, aimed at fostering camaraderie among the participants. Students then made their way to the school’s auditorium where they heard from keynote speakers who shared their personal journeys, wisdom and insights. Keynote speakers included United States Marine Staff Sergeant Eladio Avelino, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and EMHS alum John Tito Caballero, Fresenius Medical Care Registered Dietician and EMHS alum Fabian Regalado and Credit Union of Southern California Business Development Manager and Arroyo High School alum Joseph Perez.

“Today has been a great experience and a lot of fun,” Fernando R. Ledesma High School senior Adrian Velasco said. “We learned the responsibilities of being a gentleman, how to tie a necktie for any future job interviews or special occasions, dinner etiquette and so much more.”

Attendees were also treated to a nutritious lunch, where they took part in a rotating lunch activity, and received commemorative event t-shirts.

“Empowering our students with practical life skills is crucial for their success beyond academics,” Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga said. “The CABALLEROS Event exemplifies our commitment to equipping our young men with the tools they need to thrive in various aspects of life and nurturing well-rounded empowered young leaders.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

EMUHSD_CABALLEROS_EVENT_1: Male students from across the El Monte Union High School District learn essential personal and professional development skills during the District’s Inaugural CABALLEROS event, a young men’s leadership seminar on Nov. 18 at El Monte High School.

EMUHSD_CABALLEROS_EVENT_2: El Monte Union High School District Board of Trustees President Ricardo Padilla welcomes and shares his story with students during the District’s Inaugural CABALLEROS event, a young men’s leadership seminar on Nov. 18.

EMUHSD_CABALLEROS_EVENT_3: El Monte High School’s Leo Club members provide a nutritious lunch to the male students who attended the District’s Inaugural CABALLEROS event on Nov. 18.