March 23, 2016
PITTSBURG: Los Medanos College (LMC) will host the annual “Celebrating the Life of César Chávez” awards program on Friday, April 1, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the LMC Recital Hall. The college is located at 2700 East Leland Road in Pittsburg. The celebration is free and the public is encouraged to attend. Easy access parking is available in Lot C for this event.
Los Medanos College hosts this annual event to honor the life of labor leader and human rights activist, César Chávez. The celebration also recognizes members of the East Contra Costa County community who embody his great tradition of voluntary service, civic activism, and non-violent social change.
The event includes the presentation of five recognition awards, including two newly created this year. The César Chávez Award for Exemplary Community Service, established in 1995, is presented to local citizens who best represent the following core values modeled by César Chávez: Service to Others, Sacrifice, Help the Most Needy, Determination, Non-Violence, Acceptance of All People, Respect for Life and the Environment, Celebrating Community, Knowledge, and Innovation. The East County Educator Award recognizes a member of the educational community who demonstrates a commitment to student success and equity, particularly for students of color and those from low-income families. The Chávez Spirit Award is given to an emerging leader who has made a significant impact on the local community in the areas of advocacy and social justice. The two new honors are: the LMC Educator Award, which recognizes faculty at the College; and a “Special Recognition for Perseverance & Achievement.”
This year’s recipient of the César Chávez Award is Eren Mendez. A resident of Concord,
Ms. Mendez has a deep commitment to Latino youth empowerment and civic engagement.
The East County Educator Award will be presented to three outstanding educators: Samy
D’Amico, principal of Pioneer Elementary School in Brentwood; Anna Gonzalez-Ortega,
Spanish teacher at Freedom High School in Oakley; and Louie Rocha, principal of Antioch
High School. The Spirit Award will recognize an up-and-coming community leader and
advocate, Sarai Espinoza of Antioch. Two of the College’s faculty members will be
honored with the LMC Educator Award: Laura Subia, counselor for EOPS (Extended Opportunity
Programs & Services); and Nicholaus Garcia, department chair for Dramatic Arts. Norma
Cendejas will receive a “Special Recognition for Perseverance & Achievement” for her
work with El Concilio, providing Migrant Head Start services for children and families.
Please join us to celebrate the spirit of service and activism in our community.
For more information, visit www.losmedanos.edu/chavez/events.
Questions? Contact Jennifer Adams jadams@losmedanos.edu (925) 473-7302.
Los Medanos College (LMC) is one of three colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District. LMC prepares students to excel and succeed economically, socially and intellectually in an innovative, engaging and supportive learning environment. It provides quality programs and state-of-the-art facilities to serve the needs of a rapidly growing and changing East County while enhancing the quality of life of the diverse communities it serves. LMC is located on 120 acres between Pittsburg and Antioch, with an additional education center in Brentwood.