Senior Diego Gallegos Ceja hopes his legacy at Fossil Ridge High School will pave the way for more youth Hispanics to become leaders.
“I want to leave a mark here at school by helping with more education for different races,” said Ceja. “I want there to be diversity for everyone, and for everyone to be able to create their own clubs so they can speak more closely together.”
Ceja plans to start a Youth Legislation Session (YLS) Club at Fossil after winning the Best Writer of Resolution award at the National Hispanic Institute’s (NHI) 2025 summer session at Colorado State University. The club will prepare students to compete in NHI events and to advocate for their beliefs.
“I just want more people to join and have the opportunity to do the program and to have fun like I did over the summer, and to grow,” Ceja said.
He feels the NHI has allowed him to promote equality and speak up for the Hispanic community as well as legislation and law.
The senior acknowledges the benefits of NHI and his personal improvement and wants to provide others with the opportunities he’s had.
“I was always being pretty rude and bratty, I always had an attitude, but then, at the end of sophomore year, beginning of junior year, that’s when I fully changed. I switched up, I became more mature, I learned to grow, and I started loving school again,” said Ceja.
Officer Adam Brunjes wants to support Ceja in this new endeavor, as he has watched the student grow over the last four years.
“I’m proud to support something that he wants to make a change with, or just be within that way,” said Brunjes. “I’m planning to sit in on…one of his meetings, or several meetings,” said Brunjes. “Support Diego in any way I can help get the word out for him as well.”
Brunjes plans to offer his encouragement to the club.
“I just think students that feel strongly about an opinion should definitely take charge and fight for what they believe in,” Brunjes said. “And, you know, get a group or a club created if that’s what they feel passionate about.”
Fossil science and Leadership teacher Kristyn Degi attests to Ceja’s capabilities as a leader and a club sponsor.
“I think Diego has the potential to be a really great leader,” said Degi. “I think Diego could run a really great club; he just has to remember the goals.”
She also believes that Ceja’s skills and qualities will bring him far in life, let alone in the club.
“His enthusiasm and his passion are some of his best traits,” said Degi.
The new YLS club will be a place for students to come together, learn to voice their opinions and meet new people.
