The Hispanic Heritage Awards are considered among the highest honors for Latinos by Latinos and have traditionally been broadcast and streamed on PBS. (Watch highlights from last year’s awards HERE.) The Awards were established by the White House in 1988 to commemorate the creation of Hispanic Heritage Month in America and are recognized as “America’s Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration” and supported by more than 40 national, Latino-serving institutions. This will be the first time the Hispanic Heritage Awards will be held outside of the Nation’s Capital in their history.

“The Twin Cities are being recognized for their collective strength, resilience, compassion, and action in crisis while fomenting unity among all communities,” said Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation. “Their story is an American Story of what this country stands for and is capable of in terms of coming together to take care and lift each other.  We look forward to honoring the great leadership and people of the Twin Cities along with our other 2026 Awardees.”

In addition to the Awards, HHF will host several program activations in partnership with local organizations to support their missions during the week of September 7–11, including Navegando Tu Futuro, Community Charlas, as well as unifying local and national leadership, corporate partners and other members of the community for interactive convenings surrounding the big ceremony. 

Past Awardees have included: Rita Moreno, Gloria Estefan, Bad Bunny, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Ricky Martin, Fania All-Stars, Junot Diaz, José Feliciano, Isabel Allende, Carolina Herrera, Jose Andres, Carlos Vives, Alejandro Sanz, Juanes, Antonio Banderas, Juan Luis Guerra, Anthony Quinn, J Balvin, Zoe Saldaña, Los Tigres Del Norte, Oscar de la Hoya, America Ferrera, Pedro Martinez, Astronaut Dr. Ellen Ochoa, Gael Garcia Bernal, Carlos Santana, Salma Hayek, Linda Ronstadt, Richard “Crazy Legs” Colon, and many others. Find all past HHA Honorees HERE.

About the Hispanic Heritage Awards

The Hispanic Heritage Awards serve as a launch of HHF’s year-round mission, focused on economic mobility, stronger communities, positive narratives and cultural pride through education, workforce development, societal impact, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Visit https://hhflink.org/WeAreHere for a video highlighting HHF’s award winning programs and visit the website at www.HispanicHeritage.org.

Follow HHF on Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok.  Listen to the HHF podcast Fritanga on your favorite streaming service and HHF YouTube channel.

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For more information on the 39^th Hispanic Heritage Awards, please contact John Reilly, jreilly@jrprmusic.com or Nicolás Peña, Nicolas@HispanicHeritage.org

For Sponsorship Opportunities, please contact Jessica Herrera Jessica@HispanicHeritage.org

The post 39th Hispanic Heritage Awards to take place in Minneapolis to honor the People of the Twin Cities with the Humanitarian Award on September 10th at Orchestra Hall appeared first on Hispanic Heritage Foundation.

WASHINGTON, DC – Hispanic Heritage Foundation President and CEO Antonio Tijerino will be presented with the Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic (Real Orden de Isabel la Católica), which is a Spanish civil order of knighthood bestowed by the King of Spain to recognize an individual’s impact and service to Spain and the promotion of international relations.  It is considered among Spain’s highest honors, awarded to both Spanish citizens and foreigners like Tijerino who is of Nicaraguan and Paraguayan descent.

“I am profoundly honored and humbled by this tremendous recognition but mostly I consider the ‘Real Orden’ as a challenge to build stronger cultural and service‑driven bridges between Spain and Hispanic communities across the Americas,” said Tijerino. “I have applauded the work of Ambassador Angeles Moreno Bau in strengthening U.S.-Spain current and historical ties, promoting Spanish as an essential and more valued language in the US among Latinos and all Americans, and fostering cultural and economic collaboration. I share in the goal of empowering Latinos, promoting educational and cultural exchange, and combating disinformation while always recognizing the value proposition Hispanics offer America and the world.”

Created in 1815 by King Ferdinand VII, La Orden honors “extraordinary conduct of a civil nature” that supports Spain and fosters positive international relations on a global scale.

Tijerino has headed HHF for 25 years.  HHF is a national nonprofit focused on economic mobility, stronger communities and positive narratives through education, workforce, societal impact, entrepreneurship and leadership. Tijerino is also executive producer of the historic Hispanic Heritage Awards, which are broadcast on PBS.   HHF has been recognized by The White House, US Congress, Fortune 500 companies, media outlets, and other nonprofits for his leadership and service to his community and country. 

Tijerino has also been recognized with the Ohtli Award the Mexican government, which is the highest honor bestowed outside of Mexico.  He serves on numerous national and local nonprofit boards has been a strong supporter of immigrants/refugees/migrants/asylum seekers from their home countries to the border to communities across the US. 

Tijerino is recognized as an “influencer” on LinkedIn and is considered a voice for the Latino community through his writing, speaking, and social media presence to provide information, positive narratives, and a call to action. He also hosts the award-winning Fritanga Podcast and co-produced the first Latino-themed Minecraft game played by up to 30 million youth.  He is a proud graduate of the University of Maryland and was honored with a Doctorate of Humane Letters from The Chicago School.  He lives in his hometown of Washington, DC, with his family.

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Media Contact: Nicolas@HispanicHeritage.org

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San Juan, PR – La Fundación Herencia Hispana (HHF, por sus siglas en inglés) celebrará en Puerto Rico la 27.ª Ceremonia Anual del Premio Nacional a la Excelencia Juvenil, donde se honrará a Álvaro Díaz y a seis jóvenes extraordinarios (biografías en el enlace) provenientes de todo Estados Unidos. El Premio Huella fue creado para reconocer el liderazgo juvenil cuyo impacto cultural ha dejado una marca perdurable en las nuevas generaciones del país.

Álvaro Díaz es una estrella en ascenso que está redefiniendo la música urbana a nivel global y se convertirá en el primer galardonado con el Premio Huella. El reconocimiento celebra su estilo musical único, así como sus pasos para continuar empoderando a jóvenes a través del fortalecimiento de sus identidades.

“Álvaro representa el espíritu, la creatividad y la autenticidad que están moldeando no solo a nuestra comunidad, sino a todo el país”, expresó Antonio Tijerino, presidente y director ejecutivo de HHF. “Él es la muestra de lo que es posible a través de la música y sirve como modelo a seguir para la juventud, incluyendo a las ganadoras y los ganadores del Premio Nacional a la Excelencia Juvenil. El premio representa la huella única que Álvaro viene dejando en beneficio de nuestra juventud, comunidad y país”.

Nominado tres veces al Latin GRAMMY y reconocido por su visión vanguardista, Álvaro se ha consolidado como una de las voces más influyentes de la música urbana. En 2025, agotó todas las fechas de su gira por Latinoamérica y España, y ofreció dos noches históricas —ambas completamente vendidas— en el icónico Coliseo de Puerto Rico.

Su próximo álbum, OMAKASE, que se lanzará próximamente, ya ha sido nombrado uno de los “Álbumes Latinos Más Anticipados de 2026”. Su primer sencillo, “Paranoia”, producido por el galardonado productor Tainy, también fue incluido en la lista de “Las 50 Mejores Canciones Latinas y en Español de 2025”.

Díaz también recibió un disco de platino por superar los 2.8 mil millones de reproducciones en los países andinos, así como un disco de oro por su álbum deluxe SAYONARA, reconocido como el Álbum Latino No. 1 de 2024. El proyecto incluye el éxito “XQ ERES ASÍ”, junto a Nathy Peluso, quien ofreció una presentación destacada en la 37.ª edición de los Premios a la Herencia Hispana.

A lo largo de su carrera, Díaz ha colaborado con grandes artistas como Rauw Alejandro, Sebastián Yatra, Karol G y Daddy Yankee, todos ellos también homenajeados con los Premios a la Herencia Hispana, entre muchos otros.

En 2025, fue nombrado Male Rising Star en Premios Tu Música Urbano y ha recibido nominaciones adicionales en Premio Lo Nuestro y Premios Juventud.

Fundación Herencia Hispana y Premio a la Excelencia Juvenil

La Fundación Herencia Hispana es una organización sin fines de lucro dedicada a promover la educación, el desarrollo de la fuerza laboral, el impacto social y el liderazgo, con la cultura como base fundamental. A través del programa Premio a la Excelencia Juvenil, que celebra 27 años impulsando el desarrollo en áreas como STEM, emprendimiento, medios de comunicación y servicio público, miles de estudiantes de secundaria de todo EE. UU., incluyendo Puerto Rico y el Distrito de Columbia, han sido reconocidos por sus logros académicos y las contribuciones a sus comunidades. Además, han recibido apoyo financiero para fortalecer su crecimiento y su futuro profesional. Visite www.HispanicHeritage.org. Siga a HHF en Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok.  Escuche el podcast Fritanga en su servicio de streaming favorito y en HHF YouTube channel.

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Contacto para medios: nicolas@hispanicheritage.org

The post Álvaro Díaz será reconocido en Puerto Rico con el Premio Huella durante la 27.ª edición del Premio Nacional a la Excelencia Juvenil appeared first on Hispanic Heritage Foundation.

Versión en español

San Juan, PR (3/19/2026) – The Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) will host the 27th Annual National Youth Awards Ceremony in San Juan, Puerto Rico, honoring Álvaro Díaz and six National Youth Awardees (see link for bios) from across the United States. The Huella Award was created to recognize young, Latino trailblazers in the public eye whose cultural impact leaves a lasting imprint on youth and the country. 

Álvaro Díaz, a rising Puerto Rican star redefining the new wave of Latin urban music on the global stage, will become the first-ever recipient of the Huella Award. The honor celebrates his inimitable sound and style, as well as the inspiring path he continues to forge, empowering young people to embrace their most authentic selves through his voice and his art. 

“Álvaro represents the spirit, creativity, and authenticity that is shaping our community and America,” said Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation. “He is an embodiment of what is possible through his music and serves as a role model for youth, including the young honorees who will be recognized with him at the National Youth Awards ceremony. The Huella Award represents the unique imprint he has made on our youth, community and country.” 

A 3X Latin GRAMMY–nominated, fashion-forward rapper, he has established himself as one of the most compelling voices shaping the future of Latin urban music. In 2025, he sold out his entire Latin America & Spain tour and delivered two landmark, fully soldout nights at Puerto Rico’s iconic Coliseo.  

His upcoming album OMAKASE, out later this year, has already been named one of the “Most Anticipated Latin Albums of 2026.” Its first single, “Paranoia,” produced by award-winning producer Tainy, was also featured on “The 50 Best Latin and Spanish-Language Songs of 2025.” 

Díaz additionally received a platinum plaque for surpassing 2.8 billion streams across the Andean countries, as well as a gold plaque for his deluxe album SAYONARA, which was recognized as the No. 1 Latin album of 2024. The project includes the hit “XQ ERES ASÍ” featuring Nathy Peluso, who delivered a standout performance at the 37th Hispanic Heritage Awards. 

Throughout his career, Díaz has collaborated with major artists including Rauw Alejandro, Sebastián Yatra, Karol G, and Daddy Yankee, all of whom are Hispanic Heritage Awards honorees. He has also worked with Tainy, FEID and Nathy Peluso amongst many others. 

He was also named Male Rising Star at Premios Tu Música Urbano in 2025 and has earned additional nominations at Premio Lo Nuestro and Premios Juventud. 

About the Hispanic Heritage Foundation and the Youth Awards 

The Hispanic Heritage Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing education, workforce development, societal impact, leadership and culture. Through the 27-year-old Youth Awards, thousands of high school students from all 50 states, plus Puerto Rico and D.C., have been recognized for their achievements in the classroom and community, and their focus on a career path in all STEM areas, entrepreneurship, media, public service, and other categories. Visit www.HispanicHeritage.org. 

Follow HHF on Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok.  Listen to the HHF podcast Fritanga on your favorite streaming service and HHF YouTube channel. 

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Media Contact: Nicolas@HispanicHeritage.org 

The post Álvaro Díaz to receive the inaugural Huella Award at the 27th Annual National Youth Awards Ceremony in Puerto Rico  appeared first on Hispanic Heritage Foundation.

 Please RSVP HERE.

Versión en español

San Juan, PR – The Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) today announced the recipients of the 27th Annual National Youth Awards. These outstanding high school seniors have been celebrated as Leaders of Today for their dedication to serving others, vision, and leadership, not only within their communities but also in the classroom.

“We are thrilled to celebrate these six remarkable students as recipients of the 27th Annual National Youth Awards. Each of them embodies the spirit of leadership, service, innovation, and vision that defines HHF’s mission. Their leadership is needed today, not just in the future. We can’t afford to wait,” said Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO of HHF. “We’re especially excited to celebrate their achievements and potential in Puerto Rico this year, a vibrant setting that reflects the energy and promise of this outstanding group.”

The National Youth Awardees include (Click HERE for their Bios.)

Community Service

Bruce Matos – Weston, CT – Weston High School

Engineering

Sofía Barrueco López – Laytonsville, MD – Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School

Entrepreneurship

Santiago Bryce – Southlake, TX – Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas

Green 

Hugo Córdova de Varona – San Juan, PR – Colegio San Ignacio

Journalism & Media

Mariana Prieto – Bellerose, NY – Benjamin N. Cardozo High School

Technology

 Jessica Schmilovich – Boca Raton, FL – Pine Crest School

With support from sponsors including The Coca‑Cola Company, Colgate‑Palmolive, Southwest Airlines, Taste Salud, the Transportation Institute, and Comcast NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises, these students were selected from a competitive pool of 35,000 applicants and 150 regional awardees nationwide, and celebrated in virtual ceremonies.

Other supporters of the Youth Awards include Capital Wire PR, Es Tiempo, Grupo 21, Intersect, Minecraft Education, and Teach for America.

About the Hispanic Heritage Foundation and the Youth Awards

The Hispanic Heritage Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing education, workforce development, societal impact, and leadership, with culture serving as the cornerstone of its mission. Through the 27-year-old Youth Awards, thousands of high school students from all 50 states, plus Puerto Rico and D.C., have been recognized for their achievements in the classroom and community, and their focus on a career path in all STEM areas, entrepreneurship, media, public service, and other categories. Visit www.HispanicHeritage.org.

Follow HHF on Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok.  Listen to the HHF podcast Fritanga on your favorite streaming service and HHF YouTube channel.

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Media Contact: Nicolas@HispanicHeritage.org

The post Hispanic Heritage Foundation announces recipients of the 27th National Youth Awards appeared first on Hispanic Heritage Foundation.

Le invitamos cordialmente a confirmar su asistencia a través de este enlace

SAN JUAN, PR – La Fundación Herencia Hispana (HHF, por sus siglas en inglés) anunció este miércoles a las ganadoras y ganadores del Premio Nacional a la Excelencia Juvenil en su 27ª edición. Este grupo de estudiantes de último año de secundaria ha sido reconocido por su excelencia académica, vision, innovación y liderazgo, no solo en las aulas, sino también en sus comunidades. La premiación nacional se relizará este 23 de marzo, en el Hotel Aloft San Juan, Distrito T-Mobile, Salón San Juan. 250 Convention Blvd, San Juan, PR 00907, de 4:30 a 6:30 p. m. RSVP, A través de este enlace.

“Estamos orgullosos y complacidos de anunciar a este grupo extraordinario de estudiantes, ganadoras y ganadores del Premio Nacional a la Excelencia Juvenil, quienes representan el espíritu de liderazgo, servicio, innovación y visión que define la misión de HHF. Su liderazgo es esencial desde este momento, no únicamente para el futuro. No podemos darnos el lujo de esperar”, resaltó Antonio Tijerino, presidente y director ejecutivo de HHF. “Estamos especialmente emocionados de celebrar sus logros y su potencial este año en Puerto Rico, un escenario vibrante que refleja la energía y la promesa de nuestros Líderes de Hoy.”

Ganadoras y ganadores del Premio Nacional a la Excelencia Juvenil por categoría (biografías disponibles).

Servicio Comunitario

Bruce Matos – Weston, CT – Weston High School

Ingeniería

Sofía Barrueco López – Laytonsville, MD – Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School

Emprendimiento

Santiago Bryce – Southlake, TX – Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas

Desarrollo Sostenible (Green)

Hugo Córdova de Varona – San Juan, PR – Colegio San Ignacio

Periodismo y Medios

Mariana Prieto – Bellerose, NY – Benjamin N. Cardozo High School

Tecnología

Jessica Schmilovich – Boca Raton, FL – Pine Crest School

Con el apoyo de The Coca-Cola Company, Colgate-Palmolive, Southwest Airlines, Taste Salud, Transportation Institute y Comcast NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises, este grupo destacado de seis estudiantes fue seleccionado de un competitivo conjunto de 150 ganadores regionales, celebrados en ceremonias virtuales, luego de recibir más de 35 mil solicitudes desde todo Estados Unidos.

Otros colaboradores del Premio Nacional a la Excelencia Juvenil incluyen Capital Wire PR, Es Tiempo, Grupo 21, Intersect, Minecraft Education y Teach for America.

Fundación Herencia Hispana y Premio a la Excelencia Juvenil

La Fundación Herencia Hispana es una organización sin fines de lucro dedicada a promover la educación, el desarrollo de la fuerza laboral, el impacto social y el liderazgo, con la cultura como base fundamental. A través del programa Premio a la Excelencia Juvenil, que celebra 27 años impulsando el desarrollo en áreas como STEM, emprendimiento, medios de comunicación y servicio público, miles de estudiantes de secundaria de todo EE. UU., incluyendo Puerto Rico y el Distrito de Columbia, han sido reconocidos por sus logros académicos y las contribuciones a sus comunidades. Además, han recibido apoyo financiero para fortalecer su crecimiento y su futuro profesional. Visite www.HispanicHeritage.org. Siga a HHF en Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok.  Escuche el podcast Fritanga en su servicio de streaming favorito y en HHF YouTube channel.

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Contacto para medios: nicolas@hispanicheritage.org

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Los Angeles, CA. – Taste Salud joined the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) to present the Entrepreneurship category of the 27th Annual National Youth Awards, one of HHF’s signature programs celebrating youth excellence in the classroom and in their communities. Through this partnership, HHF and Taste Salud will recognize one outstanding high school student who demonstrates strong innovation and entrepreneurial potential as emerging Leader of Today.

“Supporting young entrepreneurs is essential to strengthening the future of our country,” said Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation. “These students are already creating ideas, innovative products, and wide-reaching initiatives that are having a real impact, and will add to the economic strength of our country through entrepreneurship.  We’re proud to partner with Taste Salud to elevate their vision and invest in their future.”

The Youth Awards are part of HHF’s broader mission to identify, prepare, and position youth talent across the educational and professional pipeline. This outstanding new class will continue the 27‑year tradition of innovative leadership, academic excellence, and societal impact established by past Youth Awardees.

“Our community is full of young people with incredible ideas and the courage to build something from nothing,” said Josh Leyva, Co-Founder of Taste Salud. “Through this partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, we hope to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and show them that their creativity, culture, and drive can lead to real impact.” 

This year’s recipient has been selected from a competitive pool of 35,000 applicants and 150 regional awardees nationwide, who were celebrated in virtual ceremonies between January and February of this year. The 27th Annual National Youth Awardees will be honored later this month in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Announcement coming soon.)

About Taste Salud

Founded in June 2021 by Josh Leyva and Tyler McCann, Taste Salud is a Latino-founded powdered drink mix brand offering over 30 flavors across functional lines like Hydration + Immunity, Energy + Focus, Calm + Sleep, and Greens + Superfoods. Available in over 10,000 retail locations and online at tastesalud.com, Amazon, and TikTok Shop, the brand combines authentic flavors with health benefits for on-the-go lifestyles.

About the Hispanic Heritage Foundation and the Youth Awards

The Hispanic Heritage Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing education, workforce development, societal impact, and leadership, with culture serving as the cornerstone of its mission. Through the 27-year-old Youth Awards, thousands of high school students from all 50 states, plus Puerto Rico and D.C., have been recognized for their achievements in the classroom and community, and their focus on a career path in all STEM areas, entrepreneurship, media, public service, and other categories. Visit www.HispanicHeritage.org.

Follow HHF on Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok.  Listen to the HHF podcast Fritanga on your favorite streaming service and HHF YouTube channel.

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Media Contact: Nicolas@HispanicHeritage.org

The post Hispanic Heritage Foundation and Taste Salud team up to present the National Youth Award Entrepreneurship category appeared first on Hispanic Heritage Foundation.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) today announced the Youth Awards recipients for the Journalism & Media category, presented by COMCAST NBCUniversal/Telemundo. A total of 30 outstanding high school seniors across the country will be honored for their dedication to serving others, vision, and leadership in the classroom and community. The honorees will be celebrated during a virtual ceremony on Saturday, February 21, at 6 PM AST/ 5 PM EST / 2 PM PST / 12 PM HST.  

“We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements and vision of these brilliant, young leaders, who will carry on the tradition of past Youth Awardees,” said Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO of HHF. “We are grateful to our dedicated sponsors who understand the importance of investing in the youngest and most dynamic segment of our population.  That investment will be worthwhile as we look to these students to move our community and America forward.”

Noelia Velazquez, 2024 Regional Youth Award GOLD recipient for Media and Entertainment and Miss Teen All American, will host the five virtual Youth Awards Ceremonies. She studies Entrepreneurship with minors in Journalism and Fashion at High Point University, where she is a Campus Ambassador, Women’s L.I.F.T. Fellowship Executive Council member, and HPU Vision anchor. Within Alpha Gamma Delta, she serves as Director of Philanthropy. Noelia also founded Girl Strong by Noe, a national initiative empowering young girls through confidence‑building workshops, and she proudly advocates for global cleft care as a Smile Train ambassador.

Click HERE to RSVP and learn more about this group of 30 high school seniors selected from ten regions across the United States:

Blue Region: DE, DC, KY, MD, NJ, PA, VA, and WV

GOLD – Santiago Campos – Washington, DC – District of Columbia International School

SILVER – Isabella Corchiarino – Stevensville, MD – Kent Island High School

BRONZE – Aina Traite Codina – Glen Allen, VA – Deep Run High School

Burgundy Region: OK and TX

GOLD – Joaquin Garcia – Roma, TX – Roma High School

SILVER – August Zimmerman – Waco, TX – Waco High School

BRONZE – Magali Roibon – San Antonio, TX – Alamo Height High School

Green Region: FL and GA

GOLD – Jordon Echevarria – Jacksonville, FL – Englewood High School

SILVER – Victoria Puente – South Miami, FL – Our Lady of Lourdes Academy

BRONZE – Lincoln Richey – Brooks, GA – Whitewater High School

Orange Region: AL, AR, LA, MS, NC, SC, and TN

GOLD – Lucas Miller – Chelsea, AL – Chelsea High School

SILVER – Joshua Haynes – Southaven, MS – Southaven High School

BRONZE – Izel De Jesus Sanchez – Hillsborough, NC – Orange High School

Pink Region: IL, IN, IA, MI, MN, MO, OH, and WI

GOLD – Sophia Valdez – Hometown, IL – Oak Lawn Community High School

SILVER – Ian Mendez – Chicago, IL – Lane Tech College Prep High School

BRONZE – Isabel Bernal – Chicago, IL – John Hancock College Prep High School

Purple Region: CA and NV  

GOLD – Tomás Carranza – Pasadena, CA – Don Bosco Technical Institute

SILVER – Ethan Price – Corona Del Mar, CA – Corona Del Mar High School

BRONZE – Marli Venegas – Exeter, CA – Exeter Union High School

Red Region: CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI, and VT

GOLD – Mariana Prieto – Bellerose, NY – Benjamin N. Cardozo High School

SILVER – Josefina Eliessetch – New London, NH – Kearsarge Regional High School

BRONZE – Rihanna Bonilla – Elmhurst, NY – Saint John’s Preparatory High School

Tan Region: AK, AS, GU, HI, PR, and VI

GOLD – Diego Ramos Rivera – San Juan, PR – Colegio San Ignacio de Loyola

SILVER – Kamila Gonzalez – Caguas, PR – Thomas Alva Edison School

BRONZE – Karolina Garcia – San German, PR – Mil Mascaras Arts Academy

Teal Region: CO, ID, KS, MT, NE, ND, OR, SD, UT, WA, and WY

GOLD – Gianna Cid – Cedar Hills, UT – Lone Peak High School

SILVER – Ariana Espino – Boise, ID – Borah High School

BRONZE – Lily Martinez – Commerce City, CO – Prairie View High School

Yellow Region: AZ and NM

GOLD – Solei Rodriguez – Rio Rancho, NM – Rio Rancho High School

SILVER – Ramon Gonzalez – Tempe, AZ – McClintock High School

BRONZE – Gabriela Rodriguez Acosta – Ranchos de Taos, NM – Taos High School

Three students per region will be honored with gold, silver, and bronze medallions at five virtual ceremonies presented by The Coca-Cola Company, Colgate-Palmolive, Southwest Airlines, and COMCAST NBCUniversal/Telemundo. One national recipient per category will also be recognized and celebrated at the in‑person National Youth Awards ceremony.

Other supporters of the Youth Awards include Capital Wire PR, Es Tiempo, Freddie Mac, Intersect, Minecraft Education, and Teach for America.

About the Hispanic Heritage Foundation and the Youth Awards

The Hispanic Heritage Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing education, workforce development, societal impact, and leadership, with culture serving as the cornerstone of its mission. Through the 27-year-old Youth Awards, thousands of high school students from all 50 states, plus Puerto Rico and D.C., have been recognized for their achievements in the classroom and community, and their focus on a career path in all STEM areas, entrepreneurship, media, public service, and other categories. Visit www.HispanicHeritage.org.

Follow HHF on Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok.  Listen to the HHF podcast Fritanga on your favorite streaming service and HHF YouTube channel.

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Media Contact: Nicolas@HispanicHeritage.org

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WASHINGTON, D.C.  – The Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) today announced the Youth Awards recipients for the Technology category. A total of 30 outstanding high school seniors across the country will be honored for their dedication to serving others, vision, and leadership in the classroom and community. The honorees will be celebrated during a virtual ceremony on Saturday, February 14, at 6 PM AST/ 5 PM EST / 2 PM PST / 12 PM HST.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements and vision of these brilliant, young leaders, who will carry on the tradition of past Youth Awardees,” said Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO of HHF. “We are grateful to our dedicated sponsors who understand the importance of investing in the youngest and most dynamic segment of our population.  That investment will be worthwhile as we look to these students to move our community and America forward.”

Noelia Velazquez, 2024 Regional Youth Award GOLD recipient for Media and Entertainment and Miss Teen All American, will host the five virtual Youth Awards Ceremonies. She studies Entrepreneurship with minors in Journalism and Fashion at High Point University, where she is a Campus Ambassador, Women’s L.I.F.T. Fellowship Executive Council member, and HPU Vision anchor. Within Alpha Gamma Delta, she serves as Director of Philanthropy. Noelia also founded Girl Strong by Noe, a national initiative empowering young girls through confidence‑building workshops, and she proudly advocates for global cleft care as a Smile Train ambassador.

Click HERE to RSVP and learn more about this group of 30 high school seniors selected from ten regions across the United States:

Blue Region: DE, DC, KY, MD, NJ, PA, VA, and WV

GOLD – Keven Amaya Munoz – District Heights, MD – Charles Herbert Flowers High School

SILVER – Katherine Andrade- Gaithersburg, MD – Quince Orchard High School

BRONZE – Benjamin Irizarry – Little Falls, NJ – PCTI STEM Academy

Burgundy Region: OK and TX

GOLD – Zeviel Pineda – Brownsville, TX – Veterans Memorial Early College High School

SILVER – Serena Herrera – Dallas, TX – Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet

BRONZE – Maximiliano Rodriguez – San Juan, TX – Vanguard Academy Rembrandt

Green Region: FL and GA

GOLD – Jessica Schmilovich- Boca Raton, FL – Pine Crest School

SILVER – April Surac – Cocoa, FL – Acellus Academy

BRONZE – Jared Castillo – Thomasville, GA – Thomas County Central High School

Orange Region: AL, AR, LA, MS, NC, SC, and TN

GOLD – Juan Pablo Ortiz Medina – Wake Forest, NC – Heritage High School

SILVER – Neema Patel – North Little Rock, AR – Lisa Academy North Middle-High School

BRONZE – Pietro Moreira- Hammond, LA – Lone Star High School

Pink Region: IL, IN, IA, MI, MN, MO, OH, and WI

GOLD – Miranda Diaz – Chicago, IL – Whitney M. Young Magnet High School

SILVER – Nyleah Jones – Chicago, IL – Albert G. Lane Technical High School

BRONZE – Solena Ornelas Pagnucci – Chicago, IL – Francis W. Parker School

Purple Region: CA and NV  

GOLD – Fatima Acosta – Wilmington, CA

Dr. Richard A. Vladovic Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy

SILVER – Roman Manzo Gudino – Reedley, CA – Reedley High School

BRONZE – Emmanuel Rodriguez Mejia – Santa Ana, CA – Middle College High School

Red Region: CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI, and VT

GOLD – Alexandra Sepulveda – Holbrook, NY – St. Anthony’s High School

SILVER – Yesenia Minarcaja – Brooklyn, NY – International High School at Prospect Heights

BRONZE – Carolina Notaro Machado – Malden, MA

Mystic Valley Regional Charter High School

Tan Region: AK, AS, GU, HI, PR, and VI

GOLD – Iroel Gonzalez – Guaynabo, PR – Colegio San Ignacio de Loyola

SILVER – Dan Delgado-Ayala – Las Piedras, PR – The Palmas Academy

BRONZE – Hector Irizarry – Aguadilla, PR – Carib Christian School

Teal Region: CO, ID, KS, MT, NE, ND, OR, SD, UT, WA, and WY

GOLD – Ronan Avila – Longmont, CO – Silver Creek High School

SILVER – Jade Santana Hernandez – Arvada, CO – Arrupe Jesuit High School

BRONZE – John Orta Cabrales – Portland, OR – Reynolds High School

Yellow Region: AZ and NM

GOLD – Nathan Zermeno – Peoria, AZ – Peoria High School

SILVER – Alessandra Vermeys – Litchfield Park, AZ – St. John Paul II Catholic High School

BRONZE – Ella Romero – Tonopah, AZ – Tonopah Valley High School

Three students per region will be honored with gold, silver, and bronze medallions at five virtual ceremonies presented by The Coca-Cola Company, Colgate-Palmolive, Southwest Airlines, and COMCAST NBCUniversal/Telemundo. One national recipient per category will also be recognized and celebrated at the in‑person National Youth Awards ceremony.

Other supporters of the Youth Awards include Capital Wire PR, Es Tiempo, Freddie Mac, Intersect, Minecraft Education, and Teach for America.

About the Hispanic Heritage Foundation and the Youth Awards

The Hispanic Heritage Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing education, workforce development, societal impact, and leadership, with culture serving as the cornerstone of its mission. Through the 27-year-old Youth Awards, thousands of high school students from all 50 states, plus Puerto Rico and D.C., have been recognized for their achievements in the classroom and community, and their focus on a career path in all STEM areas, entrepreneurship, media, public service, and other categories. Visit www.HispanicHeritage.org.

Follow HHF on Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok.  Listen to the HHF podcast Fritanga on your favorite streaming service and HHF YouTube channel.

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Media Contact: Nicolas@HispanicHeritage.org

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