Above title could have the name for this year’s program but the official name was the 2nd Annual Latino Legacy Awards Luncheon. The mission of this event is to recognize individuals that they have labored unselfishly for decades in service to others. Their work is living proof that one person can make a difference.
This year, Rose Olmos Herrera was honored for her twelve years on the FWISD Board. She helped preserve the J.P. Elder School Annex, named two schools after Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez, and served as Executive Artistic Director at the Rose Marine Theater. Where she produced and showcased Latino Children’s theater productions. MS. Herrera also served as co-chair for Centro Cultural De Las Americas. And many other community endeavors.
Our next Legacy Award honoree is Gino Ayala, who launched Dreaming the Cure in 2007 to fund pediatric brain tumor research after his daughter was diagnosed with Brain Stem Glioma at 15 months old. Despite an initial prognosis of one year to live, Josephine Ayala is now nineteen and attends TCU. Mr. Ayala credits this outcome as a blessing and remains dedicated to raising funds for a cure, with support from his wife Victoria, his daughters, volunteers, and annual event attendees.
Gerardo Contras earned the Rising Star award for his contributions as an educator and youth leader. As a DJ Instructor at Artes Academy Artes de la Rosa, he teaches students aged 10–18 with lesson plans centered on Latin music culture, creativity, discipline, and collaboration. Gerardo also works as a Family Engagement Specialist with FWISD and coaches for the My Brothers Keeper program.
Joe Govea, who passed away earlier this year, received the Legacy Lifetime Achievement Award posthumously for his service to the community. He was involved in numerous areas throughout his life, including serving in the Army, and as a member and officer of the Knights of Columbus. He also served as president of the Fort Worth chapter of the Pan American Golf Association (PAGA) and initiated the Junior PAGA Golf program. In addition to his civic and athletic involvement, he contributed to religious outreach through his writing. Of which many appeared on Hola Texas and our online edition El Weekender. His widow, Dora Govea, along with family and friends, attended the ceremony to accept the award on his behalf.
I would like to congratulate all the honorees as both LULAC Council 4568 President and Hola Texas publisher. I also thank everyone who attended, including Roman Palomares, LULAC National President, Cesar Chavez committee members, and League of Women Voters members. Special thanks to LULAC Council, 4568 members who volunteered and helped make the event a success. Now on to the next one November 1st.
Finally, our event sponsors (listed below) made a generous contribution that not only helped pay for event expenses. But it also allowed us to present a beautiful plaque to honorees and give them a monetary donation to the charity of their choice.
By A. Govea goveaalberto215@yahoo.com
Mil Gracias to our Sponsors
Joe Rbles Law, La Luna Capital Gustos Burgers & Bar, Jeanette Martinez Councilwomen District 11, State Representative Ramon Romero, Josh Martin and Janet Mattern
Event host site Fort Worth PAGA and LiLLIAS Catering service
