Michigan Hispanic Caucus & Cesar E. Chavez Commission Recognizes Outstanding Hispanic Students, Entrepreneurs and Leaders
Contact:
Marylou Olivarez-Mason 517-373-8339
Agency:
Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
OCTOBER 2, 2009 - The Michigan Hispanic Caucus presented awards to outstanding Hispanics across the state of Michigan during its celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month in Lansing this week.
The Caucus held a day-long celebration of Hispanic and Latino culture that took place in Lansing on Tuesday. The festivities included a summit for high school students at Lansing Community College, lunch and entertainment on the State Capitol lawn, followed by a recognition and Cesar Chavez commemorative dinner.
The events are part of Hispanic Heritage Month celebrated nationally between September 15th and October 15th. This year's day-long festivities were a coordinated effort by the Michigan Hispanic Caucus, co-chaired by Senator Valde Garcia and Representatives Lee Gonzales and John Espinoza; the Capital Area Cesar E. Chavez Commission; the Michigan Commission on Spanish-Speaking Affairs (COSSA); Lansing Community College, and Comcast.
Awards presented included:
Outstanding Hispanic Leaders Awardees
Hispanic Artist: Maria Luz Arambula, Lansing
Hispanic Businessperson: Marcos Flores, Paw Paw
Hispanic Advocate: Gloria Mireles, Portage
Hispanic Educator: Emily Martinez, Blissfield
Lifetime Achievement: John & Lupe Castillo, Lansing
COSSA's Hispanic Entreprenuer of the Year Awardee
David Segura, Detroit, CEO of VisionIT
Savings bonds and scholarships were also presented to student achievers: Savings Bond Awardees ($300 for 1st: $200 for 2nd; $100 for 3rd)
Elementary:
First Place: Sabas Gutierrez, Webster Elementary, Detroit
Second Place: Katlyn Sanchez, South Walnut Elementary, Bangor
Third Place: Elmer Ventura, South Walnut Elementary, Bangor
Middle School:
First Place: Cassandra Vargas, Maple Street Middle School, Kalamazoo
Second Place: Evan Tomilo, Lawton Middle School, Lawton
Third Place: Graciela Perez, Covert Middle School, Covert
High School:
First Place: Marbella Chavez, Covert High School, Covert
Second Place: Elizabeth Ruiz, Covert High School, Covert
Third Place: Analiz Correa, Sturgis High School, Sturgis
Scholarship Awardees (Each Received $500 Scholarship)
Eliseo Martin, Eastern High School, Lansing
Beatris Zamora, Lawrence High School, Lawrence
Ashley Guerrero, Imlay City High School, Imlay City