Commission on Hispanic and Latino Affairs Announces Leadership Awards

The City of Bloomington’s Commission on Hispanic and Latino Affairs will recognize award recipients during the annual National Hispanic Heritage Month Leadership Awards on Wednesday, October 18 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Monroe County Public Library Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.

In addition to recognizing the achievements, contributions, and support of the Latino/Hispanic community, the awards also celebrate leaders, advocates, and organizations that provide support related to health, law, education, and culture that furthers a united Latino and Hispanic community.

The Commission also will present “Learn to Earn” medals for outstanding academic achievement to Latino students in grades six through 12. The awards also recognize the academic achievements and community service activities achieved by Latino/Hispanic children to encourage a passion for learning in all stages of education, including elementary, middle and high school.

The 2017 Award Recipients include

• Outstanding Latino Leader: Willy Palomo

• Outstanding Latino High School Senior: Virdiana de Santiago and Joseph Sweeney

• Outstanding Community Organization: Dr. John Labban, M.D., Women’s Health

• Outstanding Latino Community Advocate: Carlos Bakota

• Outstanding Business Latino Supporter: Uptown Café

For additional information about the Leadership Awards ceremony, contact City of Bloomington Latino Outreach Coordinator Josefa Luce at lucej@bloomington.in.gov.

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