Detroiter Solano is valedictorian of class of 2007, WCCC

Francisco J. Solano of Detroit, a member of the board of directors of the West Side Detroit Polish American Historical Society, has been named valedictorian of his graduating class at Wayne County Community College. 

Solano, who will receive an Associate of Arts degree on June 2, 2007, at Cobo Arena, will give the commencement address at the ceremonies, which begins at 11 a.m.  His speech will draw upon the writings and/or work of César Chávez, Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Mahatma Gandhi and their message of peace, justice, and helping one another for the betterment of humanity.

Solano was recently selected as one of the recipients of the college’s 2007 Special Recognition Awards.  He was the highest scorer in the competition, received the prestigious award as a result of his outstanding academic achievements and his long history of community volunteerism, such as performing gratis with his band, the Frank Solano Band, at many charitable functions and fund-raising events, including events for veterans’ causes. 

Solano was honored at the college’s Graduation Recognition Dinner on May 19 at the Marriott Renaissance Hotel.

Along with his brother, the late Gabriel Solano (1957-2005), Frank was a founding member of the West Side Detroit Polish American Historical Society, which has its headquarters in historic St. Hedwig Catholic Church on Junction in Detroit.  The society was formed in the fall of 2004 and was officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization on February 23, 2006.

After college, Solano plans a career in social work.

Editor’s Note: An article by the author concerning Mr. Solano and his brother Gabriel appears on page 7 of the March 30, 2005 issue of La Prensa, which can be read online in pdf format at: http://www.laprensa1.com/PDF/2002-5/Mar%2030%2005.pdf