Last year, out of 40 middle and high school students to start the Santa Cruz County Emerging Leaders Program, only 14 finished it. It’s a big commitment, stacking extra homework on top of school assignments, and the attendance requirement is strict.

Addressing a new cohort of 45 last Friday, Rio Rico High School freshman and program alum Pedro Arballo urged his fellow students to stick with it and complete the intensive leadership development program, which comes with a certificate from the University of Arizona at the end of the 10 months. ×

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