Hugo Lucitante graduates from high school this weekend as members of his tribe back in Ecuador await his return with high hopes.

Lucitante, 19, was born and raised in a small Copan village in the rain forest. At age 10, he made a big shift in his life and began attending school in Seattle, Washington.

He had to learn English and adjust to American culture. But he excelled at school and is going back home to record the stories of his elders and help his tribe battle oil companies. He plans to attend college, in Ecuador or possibly back in the U.S.

Get the Story:
From Rain City to rain forest: A Blanchet grad heads home (The Seattle Times 6/2)

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