Hispanic Students and Families to Gather for Encuentro 2006

With Mariachis playing, piñatas swinging, and comedians entertaining the crowds, on Saturday (Oct. 7) Sam Houston State University, in alliance with the Huntsville Independent School District and the local chapter of LULAC, will host a conference for hundreds of Hispanic families at the Lowman Student Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"The purpose of Encuentro 2006 is to offer useful, practical information for parents and entertainment for children and teens, with mentoring by SHSU's many Hispanic students to help local families improve their lives and prepare their children for a college career," said Caroline Castillo Crimm, SHSU professor of history.

Children up to age 17 will be admitted free and adults will pay $2. Encuentro offers comedians, music, dancing, information, exhibitors’ booths, a free meal, and Encuentro T-shirts for children. Adults may purchase their T-shirts for only $1.

Registration will begin at 10 a.m., with tours of the university and a chance to visit dozens of exhibitors’ booths, followed by a free lunch at noon in the Ballroom of the LSC. During the lunch, the Mariachis of A&M will entertain the crowds, followed by a welcome from Maria Luisa Alvarado, candidate for lieutenant governor, and a presentation on helping parents improve their lives by the comedian and ventriloquist, Nacho Estrada and his partner Maclovio.

After lunch, families will find activities for all ages throughout the LSC. Parents are invited to learn about the mission of the school district, and listen to a variety of speakers on such topics as health, legal affairs, financial aid for their children, and empowering themselves.

The children, meanwhile, will be welcomed by supervisors and caretakers, who will entertain them with clowns, comedians, piñatas, and arts and crafts. Teens have a special treat in store in the LSC Theater, where they will hear California comedian Andres Fernandez, plus a reprise by Nacho Estrada and Maclovio, and the inspiring story of Alvarado. During the dance that will conclude the conference, the teens will enjoy Huntsville's Conjunto group, Xtremo Norte.

“This conference is our chance to help Hispanic families feel at home on our campus and to realize the opportunities available for them and their children at our university,” said Crimm.

The conference originated in 1997, when members of the university and community came together to establish the program to reach out to help Hispanic families improve their lives through education.

The volunteer Encuentro board of directors includes members from the Sam Houston State University departments of foreign languages, history, education, dance, and criminal justice, as well as Huntsville Independent School District principals, administrators, faculty and staff. Hispanic members of the community also serve on the board along with representatives from the local LULAC chapter.

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SHSU Media Contact: Frank Krystyniak
Oct. 4, 2006
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