USCB Hosts First Latino Student Summit — University of South Carolina Beaufort

Mar 15

Mar 15 USCB Hosts First Latino Student Summit

Students from May River High School and Bluffton High School participated in the USCB’s Latino Student Summit on March 12. The event was a collaboration between the university and the South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs.

The University of South Carolina Beaufort held its first South Carolina Hispanic/Latino Student Summit on March 12, in conjunction with the S.C. Commission for Minority Affairs. The aim of the summit was to motivate Latino students to succeed after high school and encourage them to consider attending college. Juniors and seniors from May River High School and Bluffton High School participated in the summit.

May River High School students and teachers pose in front of USCB’s Hargray building with Alex Tovar, Hispanic/Latino Affairs Program Manager for the S.C. Commission on Minority Affairs.

Beaufort County School District Superintendent Dr. Frank Rodriguez and videographer Gustavo Rattia addressed the students and encouraged them to work hard, show perseverance and embrace optimism.

“Don’t let anyone out work you,” Rodriguez said. “Stay focused on your path to success.”

Bluffton-based photographer, videographer and systems engineer Gustavo Rattia spoke to the students.

Gustavo Rattia, owner of Ocean Blue videography and photography, also spoke to the group. Originally from Venezuela, Rattia and his family left their home country nine years ago and now live in Bluffton. He told the students about “plot twists” that have shaped his life and how he has transformed adversity into opportunity.

Led by Student Ambassador tour guides, the summit attendees toured the USCB campus and then visited a community fair in Campus Center. There local organizations including Technical College of the Lowcountry showcased local opportunities for high paying careers.

During lunch provided by USCB, the high school students enjoyed a panel question-and-answer session led by Student Ambassadors Celeste Cruz-Reyes, Syann Ortega, Geovanna Cruz, and Caleb Lima Bernal.