The sixth annual Sí Se Puede (Yes You Can) awards ceremony was held Wednesday, May 24 at the Blanchard Education Service Center. The event served as an opportunity for students to “celebrate and inspire each other, build relationships outside their schools, and share the rich diversity of their talents and experiences with the greater Portland community, according to the district.

PPS staff and community members nominated 16 Latino students from every PPS high school to be honored at the event. Cleveland nominated senior Lizbeth Ruiz Conseco. These students were chosen because of their superior creative and academic accomplishments, public contributions, and commitment to growth after high school.

The celebration included music, food, and welcomed anyone from PPS who wanted to attend. Each honoree was asked to bring a trusted teacher, administrator, or community member with them as well as their respective families. The crowd gathered to watch these future leaders take the stage in order to “display their creativity, speak their truth, and/or share their vision for the future,” according to the district press release.