Sierra High School Student invited to the White House

[Colorado Springs, CO] Sierra High School Student, Jeff Gonzalez and his father, Tomas Gonzalez, Sergeant Major for the US Army, were personally invited by President George Bush and First Lady Laura Bush on Thursday, February 7, 2008, for an interview and to attend a reception held to celebrate the Third-Anniversary of the Helping America’s Youth Program.

Helping America’s Youth, founded by Laura Bush, held a national conference in August 2006 at Denver University, to listen representatives of America’s Youth and their amazing life stories. Jeff and his father were selected to represent all military families across the United States, and speak to over 700 people who attended the conference based on Mr. Gonzales’ 20 years of distinguished service. Jeff was invited to speak along with his father based on his active involvement in school, sports, and academic excellence. He spoke about being in a military family and how it has taken a toll on his life.

In his 2005 State of the Union Address, President Bush announced a broad effort to engage all Americans in helping young people become healthy adults. He asked Mrs. Laura Bush to lead this important effort, which became known as the Helping America’s Youth initiative. Helping America’s Youth is a nationwide effort to raise awareness about the challenges facing our youth, particularly at-risk boys, and to motivate caring adults to connect with youth in three key areas: family, school, and community.