WASHINGTON, DC— The evening of Thursday, June 21, Actress Shelbie Bruce from the hit movie Spanglish hosted the 10th Annual National Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards Ceremony at CU-Boulder in honor of eight high school seniors from across the United Stats, and one teacher, for their extraordinary leadership in the classroom and community. The Foundation also presented Actor Wilmer Valderrama with its inaugural Inspira Award, in recognition of his work as a role model for Hispanic youth and roles which have challenged negative stereotypes, and recently creating a program for children featuring Latino characters. The 2007 National Youth Awardees – who were selected from 13,000 applicants and nearly 300 regional recipients – each receiving $8,000 in educational grants, a laptop computer, and a trip to Washington, D.C. where they will be recognized on stage at the star-studded 21st Annual Hispanic Heritage Awards in Washington, DC on October 11, 2007. The National Hispanic Heritage Youth Award recipients are: Academic Excellence, for extraordinary academic achievement, sponsored by Chase and MasterCard Worldwide: Nicolas Frank Altemose of Temecula, California - Chaparral High School Business, for demonstrating strong business aptitude, sponsored by the National Society of Hispanic MBAs: Fabian Alejandro Poliak of Apopka, Florida- Lake Brantley High School Community Service, for dedication to community betterment, sponsored by Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages: Natassia Rodriguez of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – J.R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School Education, for demonstrated desire to be among the next generation of teachers, sponsored by Southwest Airlines (also the Official Airline of the HHYA): Haydee Cruz of Phoenix, Arizona – Greenway High School Engineering and Mathematics, for innovation in mathematics, engineering, or technology, sponsored by ExxonMobil: Keone David Hon of Kailua Kona, Hawaii – Phillips Exeter Academy Healthcare, for the pursuit of advancements in medicine, sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline: Daniel Lage of Coral Gables, Florida – Gulliver Preparatory School Journalism, for interest in print, broadcast, or web-based media, sponsored by NBC Universal/Telemundo: Christopher Stephan Oroza of Coppell, Texas – Coppell High School Sports, for athletic excellence, sponsored by SUBWAY® Restaurants: Ilona Catalina Juan of Homestead, Florida – South Dade Senior High School Selection criteria included academic achievement, community service, category focus, and an essay about the important role that their heritage played in their success. The first Hispanic Heritage Teacher Award recognized a teacher, who was nominated by one of the Regional Youth Awardees, on a national level for the impact she has made on the lives of Hispanic students.
Dora Arredondo-Marron of Los Gatos, California from the Woodside Priory School in Portola Valley, CA was honored through a partnership between HHF and the Staples Foundation for Learning, the Presenter of the Hispanic Heritage Teacher Award. “As we celebrate our 10th Anniversary, we are proud of the growth of the Youth Awards leadership program and believe the need for role models in the community is vital to the success of even younger Latinos,” said José Antonio Tijerino, president and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation. “These eight National Awardees are an embodiment of our mission and absolutely destroy any negative stereotypes about young Latinos. Our foundation and dedicated sponsors are humbled and encouraged by their accomplishments. They are not leaders of the futures but leaders of today.” The success of the Youth Awards program is predicated by the support of thousands of high schools, community organizations, and business partners such as the National Youth Award Ceremony Host CU-Boulder; the Medallion sponsors listed above as well as the Official Airline of the Youth Awards, Southwest Airlines; Allianz Life, the Official Insurance Company of the Youth Awards; Sallie Mae, the Official Student Loan Partner of the Youth Awards; and the National Youth Award Ceremony Partners are Centerplate and Butler Rental. The Foundation Sponsors are Fannie Mae, Pulte Homes, and the Home Builder’s Institute. Community partners include Hispanic College Fund, Voto Latino, Excelencia in Education, and the National Research Center for College and University Admissions (NRCCUA).
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