On Sept. 13, students and staff gathered in the SHS auditorium to listen to an inspiring and  heartwarming speech given by Indiana Secretary of State, Diego Morales. 

Morales’s speech encouraged students to use their voices and vote in the upcoming election, but he also inspired countless students when he shared his journey from immigrating to the U.S. to fitting into the role of a government official.

Morales was born in Guatemala, but he and his family immigrated to Sellersburg, Indiana. Upon his arrival Morales didn’t know any English. Being the only Latino in his class didn’t make things any easier, but Morales knew he had to work hard to achieve success someday.

“Here in America you can be anything you want, if you are willing to work hard enough,” Morales said in his speech. 

This was just one of the countless motivating statements that Morales addressed in his speech. Many of his influential words left marks on the students that sat before him.

Senior class President Manprit Kaur believes that Morales’s speech was very inspiring in more ways than one.

“His personality was very engaging with the student …” Kaur said. “He has a very creative, diverse and intelligent mindset that can lead our Hoosier state into more of a powered unity.”

Similarly, senior Josue Matute Cabrera felt that Morales’s speech was inspirational and brought him many opportunities.

“(Because of him) I can pursue what I want,” Cabrera said. 

At the end of Morales’s speech, students walked out the auditorium doors with a feeling of pride and hope for the future. Morales reminded students of their potential and told them that they can be anything they want as long as they work hard. 

“I want you to be the next CEO, or the next engineer, or the next attorney, I want you to make your parents proud,” Morales said.