Estrella awards honor local Lationo leaders
FREMONT - Tuesday marked the Second Annual Hispanic Heritage Estrella Awards (Our Shining Star). The awards honor Latino leaders of the Fremont community.
The awards categories are: Education, Government, Business, and Community Service.
“I always wanted to showcase who we are as a people," said Lydia Alejandro, Director of la Voz de la Comunidad Inc. and the event coordinator. "Not just that we have language differences or dress differently, but the true essence of who we are as Latino leaders and that their contributions and how they've struggled, to enhance our community.
'Here's somebody who's blazing for you'
“That's why I thought the Estrella Awards is a perfect opportunity to select those in categories of government, business, community service, and education," she said. "And feature their stories and their success not only for the community to see at large, but for the college students to say, OK, here's somebody who's blazing for you. You can achieve that, too.”
The Education Award went to Melba Lozano. Lozano taught children for 30 years, then retired in 2014 and continued teaching and educating teachers and children. She is also involved in community events such as the Cinco de Mayo Festival.
Jamie and Edith Layton received the Business Owners Award. They have been the owners of the El Rancho II restaurant for over 20 years and are known for representing the importance of family, food, and bringing people together.
“Mi casa su casa (my house is your house), we believe in our family strength, our community and we’re very proud and emotional to receive this award. It was hard work for us and our families,” said the Laytons. “We thank everyone for their support for 20 years.”
Marta Chavez Arreola is the Community Service Award recipient. She has 21 years at the Ohio Migrant Education Center. She assisted with specialized outreach programs, migrant camps, and to raise money for families in need.
Mayor Sanchez receives the Government Award
Mayor Danny Sanchez received the Government Award. Sanchez was elected Mayor of Fremont when he was only 32 and is the only Hispanic male in Ohio serving as mayor.
“It was just very humbling to be recognized for the work that we tried to do in the community," Sanchez said.
"There are so many other people who have already made so many sacrifices for people like me to even be able to serve in this role," he said. "I want to recognize my family, my father, my aunts, my uncles, and my grandma, who was a very poor Hispanic woman," Sanchez said, noting his grandmother raised 11 children with few resources.
“They support me and helped me become the person I am today. Not necessarily with money, but would just like values by leading by example, treating people the way you want to be treated, and doing what you can to help others and hope that that comes back to you," Sanchez said. "And I think sometimes being in an elected position, people forget that.”
Alejandro said she plans on continuing the Estrella Awards next year and plans to get the community involved in the selection process for the awards.
“I am glad everyone came out to support us — the people, the public, the news, and the paper,” Alejandro added.
This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Four tapped for 2023 Hispanic Heritage Erstella honors
