Trail Blazer Awards presented to Eason and Torres

The first Trail Blazer Awards in memory of Sofia Quintero and Judge Joseph A. Flores were presented on May 3, 2008, by the Lucas County Hispanic/Latino Democratic Caucus at its annual Cinco de Mayo Fundraiser.

According to Caucus president Lourdes Santiago, the award “recognizes Latino Democrats who have opened doors in the political arena, made significant contributions in public service, or accomplished a first in the political field.

Connie Trevino Eason and Lourdes Santiago

“Sofia Quintero, the first Latina elected to the Toledo School Board, and Judge Joseph A. Flores, the first Latino elected to the Bench in Toledo/Lucas County, opened doors for other Latinos in the political arena and advocated for Latino representation at all levels of government and political office.”

The awards went to Concepción “Connie” Treviño Eason and Roberto Torres. Eason has long been active in Democratic politics and was a cofounder, along with Lucy Weaver, of the Democratic Hispanic Women’s Caucus, which preceded the Lucas County Hispanic/Latino Caucus.

Torres was elected to the Toledo School Board but he recently resigned upon accepting the position of Director of the Department of Development for the City of Canton, Ohio. The TPS Board replaced Torres with Bob Vásquez.    

The two receive a bronze sculpture by area artist Robert García.

The other nominees were recognized: Anita López (Lucas County Auditor), María Rodríguez, Margarita DeLeón (Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority Board), Garrick “Gary” Johnson (Lucas County Board of Elections), and Robert Martínez Jr. (Aide to Toledo Councilman Mike Craig, District 3).

A Latin dance contest followed with the victors: 6-year old Paula Flores, dancing with her father Josh Flores. Josh Flores has been a Spanish instructor at Waite High School for the past nine years and is a frequent contributor to La Prensa.
 

Robert Torres

Dance contest winners Paulita Flores and her father Josh Flores