5MK Enlists the Power of Youth
HOPE’s youngest Youth Council member, 8th grader Carlos Pardo, divides his time between school, work and interning at HOPE World Headquarters.
Carlos believes that kids, as well as mentors, play an important role in helping each other to move on. “When a kid hears an adult say something, it’s one thing, but when they hear it from another kid; that’s powerful.” Carlos believes the key is helping each other. (Click here to hear his message.)
A born optimist, it is his nature to help others. Carlos served as President of the Youth Bible Class at Iglesias Servios De Dios, the church where he was christened at birth, and where he continues in a leadership role mentoring youth. Carlos is looking forward to graduation from Foshay Middle School in June, where he is in college prep classes. He is part of the USC MESA Engineer School program designed to help exceptional students. In March he was honored in a Pin & Ribbon Ceremony for his outstanding grades and deportment.
He likes to make art and is a member of Room 13, the advanced Art class at Foshay. He is a cadet and plays Chess so well that he has been school champ three times over. He is also a former member of the Robotics Club.
Carlos hopes that his involvement on the 5MK Youth Council will result in more students taking an active role in their education. His plans include making recommendations on what kinds of activities we can create to get kids excited about learning.
In order to get our youth re-engaged in school and live with the personal dignity that comes with knowing that they CAN succeed in life, we need YOU. Get involved in the 5MK movement to help keep the kids in your community engaged in education. Visit 5MK and make your own unique pledge.
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