The Diamante Awards will celebrate its 20^th year of supporting the Toledo area Latino community. Since its inception, over 100 individuals and organizations have received scholarships and awards for their achievements and contributions. 
 

This year’s ceremony will take place at the Franciscan Theatre & Conference Center of Lourdes College on Friday, Sept. 11, 2009. The event features Latino cuisine, a silent auction, cash bar, and live entertainment by Tony Rios and a Latin dance troupe. A dinner reception begins at 6:00 p.m. with the awards ceremony following at 7:30 p.m.

The annual Diamante Awards comprises Bowling Green State University, Lourdes College, Owens Community College, and The University of Toledo. The 20^th annual Diamante Awards Committee—comprised of Margarita De León, Sonia Troche, and one representative from BGSU, UT, Lourdes College, and Owens Community College—has announced the 2009 recipients in the categories of Corporate Community Agency, Friend of the Latino Community, Latino/Latina Adult Leadership and Latino/Latina Youth Leadership:

Corporation/Community Agency – AMISTAD
From 1987 until 2008, AMISTAD has been providing scholarship assistance to Northwest Ohio Latino students who are pursuing their education. Amelia and Robert Valle (Gibsonburg), Carol and Ramiro Martínez (Fostoria), Dora and Clyde López (Oregon), Anita and Ramiro Almagüer (Fremont), Mary and Fernando Costilla (Fremont), and Gloria and Al VenCoppenalle (Toledo), have dedicated countless hours to advancing the Latino community throughout the region. Throughout the years, the group has contributed more than $15,000 for scholarships for Latino students enrolled at Terra. Visit: https://laprensatoledo.com/Stories/2008/121208/Amistad.htm

Friend of the Latino Community – Human Relations Commission, Bowling Green
The Human Relations Commission (HRC) was established to promote and enhance positive feelings and interactions among people of different nationalities throughout the city of Bowling Green. In 1993, the HRC began the city’s annual Cinco de Mayo celebration, bringing Latino culture to the area. The HRC’s ongoing sponsorship and support of the Cinco de Mayo event has helped raise thousands of dollars in funding for student scholarships at Bowling Green State University. Visit: http://www.bgsu.edu/organizations/hrc/

Latino/Latina Youth Leadership – Carlos Ruiz

Carlos is currently a Business and Finance student at the University of Toledo where he is a member of the Sigma Lambda Beta fraternity. As a member of Sigma Lambda Beta, Carlos volunteered for Adelante Inc.’s fundraiser Quinceañera Fashion and Talent Show and additionally served as a youth specialist with the organization. Carlos also participated in the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference at Ohio Northern University, the Latino Youth Summit and the Overnight Experience for children of migrant workers at the University of Toledo.

Latino/Latina Adult Leadership – Ramona Trujillo

A University of Toledo alumna Ramona Trujillo spent time as a member of the Peace Corps and has taught Spanish at Central Catholic, Clay, DeVilbiss, St. Thomas, Scott and Woodward high schools. Throughout her life, Ramona has maintained a strong connection to the local Latino community. She has taught English and drivers education to Latino residents, helped prepare individuals for U.S. Citizenship exams and translated manuals from English to Spanish. Additionally, she has volunteered with Adelante, Inc., FLOC, the International Institute, and the former Guadalupe Center.

Scholarship recipients will also be recognized. A complete list appears online at www.laprensa1.com