Indiana secretary of state shares his immigrant success story with southern Indiana high schoolers

SELLERSBURG, Ind. (WDRB) -- Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales visited Silver Creek High School on Thursday in hopes of inspiring the next generation to follow their dreams no matter what obstacles they encounter.

Morales graduated from Silver Creek High School in 2000, a year after he moved to Sellersburg from Guatemala with his family in 1999. He graduated in 2000 and went from immigrant to leader.

Morales is the first Latino elected to statewide office in Indiana. He told students Thursday that he wouldn't be where he is today without Silver Creek High School, after arriving in the country unable to speak any English. He said he carried around a small translation book at school and was thankful that students and teachers were so welcoming and supportive.

While his family couldn't financially support his dreams for college, Morales improved his English skills and worked several jobs in order to attend Indiana University but he credits his education that began at Silver Creek for his success.

Now, he is hoping to point the way to others facing adversity.

"I'm always going to make sure I can inspire the next generation of Hoosiers though my story," he said. "I truly believe my story is the American dream and I'm going to continue sharing my story all over the 92 counties of Indiana day in and day out."

Morales also encouraged students to register to vote. He said that's the first thing he did on the day he became a naturalized U.S. citizen and he told students he hasn't missed an election since that day.

As Indiana's secretary of state, Morales said the election ballot is set and he's turning his attention to making sure county clerks are prepared for the primary in May and the general election in November.