Diane Correa, 15. Olman Herrerra, 17. Jose White, 14. All dead due to gang violence.

On Wednesday, April 18, the Ellenville Central School District hosted Sergio Argueta for a presentation on gang prevention for the Ellenville area.

The event, held in the high school cafeteria, followed a similar program held earlier for students that was meant to provide area youth with an understanding of the dangers and misconceptions of gang life.

Argueta began the evening event by wishing the audience, which included parents, teachers, and Superintendent Lisa Wiles, a "good morning." His reason is that he feels that parents need to "wake up" about the reality of gangs in their community.

The presentation consisted of a slideshow that began with Argueta's own history of gang involvement in Nassau County, Long Island. He told the audience about his childhood as a son to a single mother who worked hard to keep him safe and away from gang culture. She was unsuccessful. "I used to think my mother was a sucker for working so hard and having nothing. And then I would see these guys on the street with rolls of money that never had to work."

He said he fell into the trap that many poor kids encounter. "A lot of kids don't think success through positive means is possible." He warned parents about how deceptive children can be when it comes to their involvement in gang activities. "I was never a 'gang member' in my house," he said.

During the presentation, Argueta was very critical of schools that he claimed, "are looking to wash their hands of our kids. We are failing our kids. It is our fault!"

At one point in the program he offered the audience a series of true or false questions about the history of gangs in America – how long they have existed, which are the most violent, the realities concerning increasing numbers of female gang members.

He said that going around and speaking to schools, "is my therapy. It is how I clean my conscience. It is how I make a contribution to society."

After Argueta's presentation he brought on some younger speakers who had been involved in gangs and had elected to leave them behind in hopes of something better.

At the program's conclusion, Argueta offered his thoughts on what communities must do to protect their children. A big part seemed to be breaking down myths and misconceptions about gangs. "What brings us together is that we are all human and we all want what's best for out kids."

Another gang awareness presentation for parents, this one featuring Ron (Cook) Barrett, will take place in the EHS auditorium at 7pm on Wednesday, April 25.

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