The Search For America’s Top Hispanic High School Seniors.

The Hispanic Heritage Awards Foundation announced applications for its annual search for America’s top Hispanic high school seniors in 12 cities will be posted on http://www.hispanicawards.org , Dec. 21, and distributed to area schools by Jan. 14, 2002.

The 12 cities include: Chicago, Dallas, Houston (new city), Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Antonio, San Diego, San Jose and Washington, D.C. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to meet the submission deadline of Feb. 14, 2002.

In March, six students will be selected in each city, one in each of the following areas of accomplishment: Leadership/Community Service, Sports, Literature/Journalism, Academic Excellence, Science and Technology, and Mathematics.

These 72 Regional Winners will each receive a $2,000 grant for their education and an additional $1,000 donation to a community service organization of their choice. In June, six National Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards winners will be selected from the pool of 72 regional winners and travel to Washington, D.C., with a parent or guardian, where they will be recognized and celebrated at the annual, star-studded “Hispanic Heritage Awards” Gala. The Gala, which takes place during Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15) at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, is televised on the NBC Television Stations.

“The Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards have become a stepping stone for young people over the past five years,” said new Executive Director Antonio Tijerino. “Past Youth Award winners have gone on to college and made an impact in their communities after graduating from high school. A large part of our mission is to promote Hispanic excellence and to provide Hispanic role models. There is no greater inspiration to a young person than another young person. We look forward to seeing the 2002 Youth Award candidates carry on that tradition.”

Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards recipients are selected for their accomplishments in their chosen discipline, potential for leadership and commitment to community service. Winners must demonstrate strength and quality of character and show that their Hispanic heritage plays a significant role in their lives. Applications are available through sponsor, high school guidance counselors and can be downloaded from http://www.HispanicAwards.org .

The Hispanic Heritage Awards Foundation was established 16 years ago to promote Hispanic excellence, provide a greater understanding of the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the United States, and to recognize role models that inspire our youth.

“In the 21st Century, our nation can only benefit from the investment we are making today in our Latino youth,” said Raul R. Tapia, Chairman of the Hispanic Heritage Awards Foundation. “With the generous participation and commitment of some of our nation’s leading corporations, we are able to reach out to key Hispanic communities in the United States. We are proud to honor and reward Hispanic youth who will surely be tomorrow’s leaders.”

The Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards 2002 is made possible by the generous participation of the following sponsors: Dr Pepper (Youth Award for Leadership/Community Service); NBC Television Stations Division (Youth Award for Literature/Journalism); Chase/MasterCard International (Youth Award for Academic Excellence); Microsoft (Youth Award for Science and Technology) and Exxon Mobil Corporation (Mathematics).