Dozens of community members were honored at the 2021 César E. Chávez Hispanic Excellence Scholarships & Community Awards Gala on Tuesday, October 19. The theme of this year's annual event was "honoring the past and shaping the future." It not only honored the civil rights on icon César E. Chávez, but also the lifelong, local legacy of the late Francisco Pancho Vega of Grand Rapids.
Eleven students were recognized at the ceremony, hailing from Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids Community College, Aquinas College and Davenport University.
Grand Valley State University:
Andrea Balcazar-Romero
Danahe Garcia
Irma Gonzalez Jimenez
Grand Rapids Community College:
Jennifer Arredondo
Jorge Martinez
Miranda Lyn McLain
Luis Alberto Parra
Jesus Adrian Rivera
Chelsea Vazquez Jimenez
Aquinas College:
Paola Rodriguez
Davenport University:
Robert Kelly IV
Lupe Ramos-Montigny, the event's organizer, said the event doesn't just celebrate "good grades" in school as excellence, but rather the real-world work students are doing to push for equity and justice as Chavez did.
In addition to student scholarships, the gala also recognized community leaders with awards.
Distinguished "Aguila" Award: Javier Olvera
La Familia Award: Abel and Imelda Quintino, Veronica, Yuri and Celeny
Youth Award: Daniel Caracheo Teniente
Golden Citizen Award: Margarita Cotto Hernandez
Hispanic Advocate Award: David L. Eisler
