By Megan Boatwright, Local News 8 Reporter
For the last 20 years Richard Santana has spoken to students about the trials he overcame to break free from gang life and eventually graduate from Harvard University.
Santana says this is probably the 20th time he's spoken to students in Idaho and the assembly of Eagle Rock Junior High kids who heard from him for Cinco De Mayo were more than inspired.
The second largest student population at Eagle Rock Junior High is Hispanic and even more Hispanic students between 7th and 9th grade were brought in to hear the special speaker.
Santana made the kids laugh but he also shared an important message about choices and hope for the future.
When he first took the stage it wasn't as a Harvard graduate, but what Santana calls his alter ego- Chocolate.
The speaker had kids rolling in no time as he poked fun at those ever present societal lies.
"I believe students are hungry for this type of message," he said. "It's a message of hope, encouragement and overcoming obstacles."
Before long the conversation takes a serious turn as Santana shared the devastating experiences he had with drugs and alcohol.
"I tell the kids how people touched my life and created a change that eventually made me into Richard Santana the educator and Harvard graduate."
For Hispanics and Caucasians alike there was connection and inspiration, "He really got into kids minds and gave them confidence," said 7th Grader Gracen Wilkie.
"It was fun and entertaining and taught you a lesson at the same time," said 9th Grader Marisela Navarro.
"It just makes me think that I can do a lot with my life," said student Amy Vossler.
Santana is a third generation gang member. He also spoke at Rocky Mountain Middle and Bonneville High School.
