There are junior high and high school kids all over the Davis School District coming together to support each other, offer service to the community and become successful leaders. The Latinos In Action (LIA) program gives students the skills needed to help not only themselves but everyone around them.

“It started in 2011,” said Olivia Webberley, Secondary ELL/LIA Coordinator. “It started in Northridge High School with one class of peer leaders. It’s grown to 18 junior highs and high schools in the district. Some with multiple classes.”

Assistant Superintendent John Zurbuchen brought it to the district, she said. “DSD was the first district to adopt LIA districtwide. He wanted it in all secondary schools. They set aside money to adopt it.”

LIA teachers dedicate their prep period to the LIA and teach the course during the school day, said Webberley. “The curriculum follows the four pillar LIA model. They are personal assets, excellence in education, community service and leadership. You don’t have to be Latino to be in LIA.”

There are a variety of lesson plans, she said. “They are covering biculturalism, socio-social status, etc. It supports leadership and builds on students’ voice to lead out in school activities.”

Students are assigned leadership roles, Webberley said. “President, Vice President, Historian and Secretary. The president leads class members in activities, reaches out to nonprofits and invites professionals into the classroom.”

LIA members partner with elementaries to tutor students, she said. “Most are assigned to the same teacher. They also plan community service projects outside of tutoring.”

Diana Marroquin paints a senior living center resident's nails. Marroquin has been in LIA since the eighth grade. Courtesy photo

 Woods Cross High School senior Diana Marroquin has been in LIA since the eighth grade. “I came from Florida,” she said. “In other states you can start earlier but in Utah you have to be in eighth grade. When I moved here I was in the seventh grade. I couldn’t wait until the eighth grade. When I talked to the counselor I said ‘put me in that first.’”

Marroquin said LIA has impacted her so much. “It’s taught me leadership and power as Latinos. It has become a big part of me. We’re all family. If someone is sad we all feel sad.”

Visiting the elementaries had impacted her too, said Marroquin. “The kids say ‘the big kids are here.’ I was that little kid before. I see my reflection at their age and thought ‘I can’t wait to be a big kid.’”

Besides tutoring LIA is involved in a lot of service, she said. “We go to senior living homes and paint their nails, we have car washes and sell food at lunch to use for class or to donate.”

Everybody helps, Marroquin said. “We had a garage sale for a boy in LIA who had graduated. Sadly his mom was diagnosed with cancer and she passed away. He didn’t have the money for a funeral. Even if you’ve graduated you’re still family.”

Marroquin said her teacher, Mrs. Avalos has been a big part of her life. “She’s like a mother to all of us. All of the teachers take care of you like you’re their own kids.”

“LIA has had a big impact on me,” said 16-year-old Josue Hernandez, a student at Viewmont High School. “I’ve met many of my friends through it and helping out at the elementary schools brings me joy. Seeing these kids get opportunities I could have never imagined when I was their age opens up new possibilities – not just for them, but for us as well.”

Hernandez said LIA builds problem solving skills. “It also deepens our understanding of how difficult life can be for some kids, especially those who don’t speak English. They often struggle to make friends, but when they see us, I see a spark light up in them.”

“LIA has helped me become the person I am today,” said Marroquin. “If you feel alone, even if you’re not in LIA, come talk to us. No matter who you are or where you are from, LIA has their arms open. The doors are always open for you. If you need help – we’ve got you.”