Help from strangers gives youth a boost

Debra D. Bass

Friday, June 6, 1997 | 5:47 a.m.

A month ago, Antonio Reyes could find no one to help sponsor his trip to a prestigious student conference in Washington, D.C.

His parents' savings were out of reach: That was for college. He sent letters to businesses pleading for help but received no response.

An article in the SUN about his plight resulted in TV and radio interviews and suddenly the mail began bringing checks.

Adding to the support were donations from his mom's co-workers and his own co-workers at the Clark County Library. Of the contributions, the one he appreciates most is a check from an elderly woman for $1.50.

Reyes had a May 14 deadline to round up the $1,485 conference fee, which included housing and meals for the 11-day event. A few days before the deadline, the donations tallied nearly $900.

His parents resolved to scrimp and make up the difference.

"He had come so far and had received so much support, that we said there's no way we're not going to support his going," said his mom, Nancy Gardner.

But when she called conference organizers, she was told that all the spots had been filled.

Reyes was on the verge of returning the many donations with letters of thanks when he learned that the National Young Leaders Conference also has a five-day event in the fall to accommodate the overflow of students responding to the summer conference.

Having secured about $1,300 in contributions, he now has enough to cover all costs for the October conference.

"It's amazing to me that people who don't even know me want to help. It makes me feel really good," Reyes said. "Some people just said here's a couple of bucks, I hope you do good things. It's pretty overwhelming."

His mom said one donation arrived with the words: "My last name is Reyes too and I hope you do well."

"Some of the people were so kind with their wishes. You just don't see that enough," Gardner said. "It was a great learning experience for Antonio."

After a family tragedy some time ago, Reyes' grades took a turn for the worse as did his taste in friends. His mother knew that such practices would affect the rest of his life, so during a family meeting, they decided to enroll him in a Catholic school. It worked.

Reyes was once again on the honor roll and became involved in a host of leadership activities. He became a role model for other students to follow, not avoid.

On the recommendation of his school, Reyes was named a National Scholar, which merits an invitation to the National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C. Each day of the 11-day summer session introduces students to a different aspect of government and students meet with various high-level government officials.

October's five-day leadership conference promises a more intensive introduction to how government works, including domestic and foreign policy practices. In the meantime, Reyes has been selected to take part in a five-day Latin Chamber of Commerce Youth Leadership Conference sponsored by the chamber and UNLV in June.

Reyes said he no longer wants to succeed just for himself and his family. He wants to succeed as well for those people who supported him.

"This has been a real morale boost," Reyes said. "I can't thank them enough."