Antonio Cruz had no idea what John Stott, his history teacher at the Dwight-Englewood School, was talking about when Stott recommended the 15-year-old Guttenberg resident to attend the Junior Statesmen School of America, which is held at several Ivy League schools throughout the country.
“I learned more about the program and I decided to apply,” Cruz said. “It seemed like it was a good opportunity for me. I would like to pursue a life in politics someday, and I was pretty excited about the opportunity. Only 250 students in the entire country get selected. It’s really competitive. I never thought I’d get in.”
The Junior Statesmen program offers students the opportunity to attend two college-level courses, one in government and another in speech. There are different varieties to the government classes – comparative politics, foreign policy, or campaigns and elections.
There are also nightly Congressional Workshop debates, where the student argue their political opinions with other students, with a wide range of topics being discussed.
There are also an impressive array of political leaders that have attended the seminar to serve as guest speakers, both on the campus of Princeton and during regular trips to New York.
Previous guests have included members of Congress, U.N. ambassadors, New York leaders, journalists and university scholars. Last year, the Princeton students were treated to meeting Secretary of State Colin Powell.
“I decided to apply,” Cruz said. “It’s a program to promote the future leaders of the country. I was glad that Mr. Stott recommended the program to me.”
Three weeks ago, Cruz received word that he was indeed selected to participate in the program.
“I was so excited when I got the letter,” Cruz said. “I couldn’t believe it.”
There was only one problem. The tuition for the month-long seminar, running from June 28 through July 23, is $3,500. Cruz comes from a single-parent home, with his mother working for Goya Foods as a sales representative. They will pay some of the money, but need to raise the rest.
“I knew that we couldn’t afford the tuition,” Cruz said. “I can’t expect my mother to give me that kind of money out of the blue.”
So the enterprising Cruz, taking a page out of what could possibly be his future, began to practice the fundamental roots of politics – fundraising. He went to different businesses and groups, looking for sponsors. He received one check from Guttenberg Mayor David Delle Donna and another from his school.
“I’ve been going to local businesses in my neighborhood with fliers and brochures,” Cruz said. “I’ve been trying.”
The deadline to pay the tuition was last Friday, but the school has given Cruz some additional time to come up with the funds. He has started to reach out to other local politicians, contacting Rep. Robert Menendez and Assembly Speaker Albio Sires, who are also of Hispanic descent like Cruz.
Another local politician of Hispanic heritage, namely Hudson County Clerk Javier Inclan, has pledged to help Cruz’ cause. Inclan said that it is important to encourage youngsters to enter the political spectrum.
“I was obviously blessed with a very good opportunity to become involved in politics,” said Inclan, a Guttenberg native. “It’s nice to see young Latinos want to get involved and look up to role models in the political field. It’s very encouraging to see youngsters want to go into public service and help the community. I’m glad to be able to help.”
Cruz said that he is grateful for the contributions he has already received, but he’s hoping to get more before he’s scheduled to depart for Princeton next week.
“It wouldn’t make sense if I’ve been selected to attend and I can’t go,” Cruz said. “I have to keep trying.”
Cruz hopes one day to pursue a career in international affairs. It would be beneficial for him to learn as much as possible over the next month, if some generous people step forward to help out.
“I’m hoping something happens,” Cruz said.
If anyone is willing to sponsor Antonio Cruz to attend the Junior Statesmen of America Summer School in Princeton, contact Cruz at (201) 854-4120. For further information about the program, log onto www.jsa.org and click on “Summer Programs.”