Sara Zahoor ’26
Staff Writer
Juan Rayo ’27, a sophomore political science major at Trinity, has won 1st place in the 2025 Leyendas Essay Contest, a statewide writing competition organized by the GALEO Latino Community Development Fund. The contest invited participants across Georgia to write essays about Hispanic leaders who have inspired them, with categories open to high school students, adults and ESOL learners.
Rayo’s essay, which highlighted the impact of a Hispanic leader from Georgia, was recognized for its depth, clarity and personal impact. He was awarded first place along with a $100 prize. On Friday, April 11, Rayo read his piece in front of the GALEO members and legislators at the Georgia State Capitol as part of an official recognition ceremony.
The contest is a small part of GALEO’s bigger mission to promote civic engagement, leadership and representation within Georgia’s Latino community. GALEO is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that has led extensive efforts in voter registration and leadership development across the state. The Leyendas Essay Contest was created to celebrate Hispanic heritage while simultaneously amplifying youth voices through storytelling.
Rayo’s connection to GALEO goes beyond the contest; he has worked with this organization in the past to help voters register, reflecting his deep and ongoing commitment to civil participation. His essay not only honors a community leader but also reflects his broader dedication to building both equitable and engaged communities. Juan’s essay was praised for its insight and ability to connect personal narrative with broader themes of representation, perseverance and public service. The recognition places him among a select group of statewide winners and emphasizes the importance and value of elevating diverse voices in public discourse.
Rayo’s participation in the Leyendas Essay Contest emphasizes his growing involvement in both civic and academic initiatives focused on public service and representation. As a political science major at Trinity, his academic interests align closely with the themes of the contest, offering an example of how classroom learning and community engagement can intersect. His recognition at the state level also reflects the opportunities available to students who actively pursue leadership and advocacy work beyond campus.
The 2025 Leyendas Essay Contest continues to serve as a platform for young writers in Georgia to engage with themes of leadership, identity and civic involvement. Through its partnership with GALEO, the contest contributes to statewide efforts to encourage Latino participation in public life. Rayo’s award and presentation at the Georgia State Capitol mark a formal acknowledgement of his contributions, connecting student voices to broader conversations on civic engagement in the state.
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