PRHYLI Students Selected for Statewide Mock Trial
In November, we shared that two Harborfields High School students, Yoselin Benitez Almendares and Vincenza Czekaj, were selected to participate in the Long Island Regional Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute (PRHYLI). Over the last four months the students have engaged in experiences that strengthened their public speaking, debating, civic engagement, and advocacy skills, and their journey is not over yet!
We’re thrilled to share that both students have now been selected to represent Long Island at the New York Statewide PRHYLI in Albany this April! There, they’ll join peers from across the state for a Mock Assembly at the NYS Capitol, debating and voting on legislation they’ve studied throughout the program. Even more exciting, Harborfields’ own Yoselin Benitez Almendares has been selected for the prestigious role of moderator!
In an email statement, Dr. Jordan González, PR/HYLI Delegation Leader said:
“Congratulations to our incredible students on completing the 2026 Long Island Regional PRHYLI! This year, over 70 students participated, and Dr. Erica Flores, Ms. Hadasa Argueta, and I all agree, this was our most competitive year yet! We are so proud of you and excited to see Long Island represented with excellence in Albany. Keep using your voice, you are leaders.”