TAMPA, Fla. – Bank of America recently recognized several Bay area students for the work they have done in their communities.

They were named Bank of America Student Leaders.

As student leaders, they are working closely with the local Boys & Girls Clubs to gain exposure to workforce skills, leadership, and civic engagement.

The program, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary in Tampa Bay, annually recognizes 300 community-focused juniors and seniors from across the U.S.

What You Need To Know

  •  Bank of America named two Hillsborough seniors as BOA Student Leaders, earning them a trip to Washington D.C.

  •  Ethan Morgan goes to Plant High School and Rubicel Lopez goes to Strawberry Crest High School

  •  Both got recognized for their community service work with the Tampa Boys and Girls Club

The students traveled to Washington D.C. for a week-long, national leadership summit as part of the program to discuss the importance of civic engagement and met with members of Congress.

Spectrum News spoke to two Hillsborough County students who made the trip and are feeling good about what they have already accomplished and goals they plan to achieve.

“I got to meet a whole bunch of people and I got to view different viewpoints and how they see the world and how they would change it,” said Rubicel Lopez.

Rubicel Lopez attends Strawberry Crest High School in Dover.

As a Boys & Girls Club mentor, Rubicel has dedicated over 100 hours to guiding young minds, fostering growth and teaching life lessons in patience, compassion, and kindness.

Furthermore, his leadership in the ProStart culinary team has earned them first place in multiple culinary competitions, displaying his ability to communicate effectively, coordinate tasks and adapt to challenges under pressure.

Ethan Morgan from Plant High School also was named a Bank of America Student Leader intern.

As the founder of Rising Tide Charities, Ethan has devoted two years to providing low-income students with access to computers and encouraging them to pursue higher education.

Ethan’s commitment to leadership is also evident in his role as the competitions manager of Mu Alpha Theta, a mathematics honor society, and as the president of the Tech Ambassadors, where he manages the Guidance Department’s laptop checkout program.

In their trip to our nation’s capital, Rubicel and Ethan visited landmarks such as the Library of Congress and the Lincoln Memorial.

Ethan offered his perspective of what he has learned through his community service, which is contributing to his school success.

“I’m able to see how the work they put in no matter where they are in the organization goes back to ultimately helping the children at the end,” said Ethan. “Because ultimately it’s to create better opportunities for them so they can go further in their careers, college and just further in life.”

While, Rubicel has advice for other seniors looking to boost their resumes.

“One of the key messages I would give is to be yourself,” said Rubicel. “Put yourself on that application and show your community impact and how you can enhance your skills and become a better leader for the society.”f