LAFAYETTE — Centaurus High School freshman Andres Bautista started goofing off first semester as school got tougher.

But his dad was there to encourage him, urging him to try harder and not put sports above schoolwork. That’s one of the reasons he considers his parents the most important people in his life.

"My dad told me I could get better grades it if I really wanted to," Andres said.

Andres’ story is part of the multi-media "Local Voices" exhibit that’s on display at the Lafayette Public Library through the end of the month. The exhibit is part of the city’s larger Cesar Chavez Celebration, which includes a variety of events.

Lafayette fiber artist Sarah Rockinger organized the exhibit, which includes a short video of interviews with the Centaurus students in the Latino Boys Leadership Group and a longer video of interviews with longtime Lafayette Latinos on their experiences. There also are three-dimensional "ghost" figures based on videos of Boulder County farmworkers and Spanish speakers working in restaurants, grocery stores and other businesses.

"We’re layering content and information and form and looking at where lives collide," Rockinger said. "When we talk about immigration, who are the people we’re talking about and how does it affect me. Our lives are connected through the community and daily activities."

She said she wants to broaden the polarized conversation about immigration.

"It’s not an ‘us and them,’" she said. "It’s an us. Almost all of us are immigrants. Why did my parents come here? For a better life and opportunity and probably to give their children a better life."

Breaking down barriers is another goal, she said.

She asked the students in the Latino Boys Leadership Group to tell pieces of their stories — what was their earliest memory, who is most important to them, who is their best ally.

"They were so brave and willing to share their stories," she said. "They spent a lot of time talking about racism and how do we combat racism. One of the things is getting to know your neighbors."

Centaurus High School freshman Arturo Rivas said another goal of participating in the project is to spread the word about the Latino Boys Leadership Group.

"It teaches you about your ancestors," he said. "It’s really fun and helps you graduate from high school."