Program helps Hispanic kids get licenses

Shortly after the final bell rang for the day, 16-year-old Alan Olvera slid behind the wheel of the dark car and began to adjust his seat. Narrowing his gaze, he looked for familiar buttons and gears.

Not long ago, Alan lived in Mexico City, but he's now living in Annapolis. He understands most of the English that swirls around him, but prefers to speak in Spanish. He attends Annapolis High School's ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Program as a junior.

Another junior, Eastport resident Juana Mendoza, 16, formerly of Oaxaca, Mexico, clambered into the back seat to await her turn at the wheel.

Outside the car...