a high school junior from watsonville recently attended a national leadership summit. alvaro leal was one of 30 students and the only from california to attend the national council for community and education partnerships youth leadership summit. the 12th annual event seeks to find ways to improve student achievement, strengthen the education system and ensure student success. all students who participate are required to give a speech to all attendants, alvaro leal’s speech was the only one to receive a standing ovation.