[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 62 (Tuesday, April 4, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E770]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


     TRIBUTE TO THE NORTHWEST INDIANA HISPANIC COORDINATING COUNCIL

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 4, 1995
  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the efforts of 
the Northwest Indiana Hispanic Coordinating Council for their numerous 
contributions to northwest Indiana.
  Founded on November 15, 1988, the Hispanic coordinating council is 
composed of leaders from over 40 different Hispanic organizations. 
These people have committed themselves to improving the quality of life 
for the Hispanic residents of northwest Indiana. Council president and 
cofounder Benjamin T. Luna has been instrumental in providing the 
Hispanic community with motivation and opportunities for excellence.
  On April 8, 1995, the coordinating council will present honors to 42 
top scholars and athletes throughout northwest Indiana. The council 
will also present their annual recognition awards to deserving 
individuals. The council will honor these distinguished people at a 
banquet which will be held at the American Legion Post 369 in East 
Chicago, IN.
  The students who will receive awards for outstanding academic 
achievement include: Patricia Alvarado, River Forest High School; 
Albert Davila, Merrillville High School; Alyssa Diaz, Highland High 
School; Guadalupe Gonzalez, East Chicago Central High School; Jessica 
Herrera, Martin Luther King Academy; Tania Higareda, Clark High School; 
Maria Lule, Bishop Noll High School; Karla Madrigal, Hammond Morton 
High School; Xochilt Medina, Hammond Gavit High School; Becky Ramirez, 
Crown Point High School; Edwin Ramirez, Horace Mann High School; Robert 
Ramirez, Calumet High School; Jennifer Ramos, Munster High School; 
Albert Rodriguez, Lew Wallace High School; Melissa Rodriguez, Hammond 
High School; Joshua Rodriguez, Griffith High School; Elvin Roman, 
Horace Mann High School; Aaron Vela, Lake Central High School; Cara 
Velez, Portage High School; and Brett Sweet, Lowell High School.
  The students who will receive awards for outstanding athletic 
achievement include: Aeric Arreguin, Highland High School; Robert 
Avila, Andrean High School; Phil Benavides, Lowell High School; Juan 
Carlos Buezo, Lew Wallace High School; David Brugos, Clark High School; 
Arturo Corral III, Wirt High School; Jessica Figureroa, Merrillville 
High School; Victor Garcia, Griffith High School; Eusebio Gonzalez, 
Gavit High School; Jerame Hicks, East Chicago Central High School; 
Daniel Mayorga, Hammond High School; Jason Mendoza, Munster High 
School; Richard Mendoza, Hammond Morton High School; David Ortiz, 
Portage High School; Matt Rodriguez, Calumet High School; Vincent 
Rosado, River Forest High School; George Torres, Bishop Noll High 
School; James Torres, Lake Central High School; Erin Valdivia, Hobart 
High School; and Tom Zelaya, Crown Point High School.
  Aisha Ceballos of Gary Emerson High School will be awarded both an 
academic and athletic award by the coordinating council at their annual 
banquet.
  The council will also present the outstanding family award to Rafael 
and Doritila Fletes of East Chicago. This distinguished couple was 
carefully selected from many qualified families on the basis of their 
unity and dedication to one another's successes. Ms. Eliza Vela will 
receive the community service award. The labor award will be given to 
Mr. Robert Flores. Mr. Francisco Loza, president of the River Forest 
and Lake Station School Corporation Dual District Bilingual and Migrant 
Education Program, will be awarded the president's award. Finally, Ms. 
Maria DeLaLuz Murillo Tellez will be honored with the distinguished 
Caesar Chavez Award, in honor of the late charismatic president and 
founder of the United Farmworkers.
  Media recognition awards will go to Mr. Michael Puente and Mr. 
Michael Gonzalez, of the Post-Tribune; Mr. Mark Arrendondo and Mr. Jose 
Alvarez, of the East Chicago News; Mr. Christian B. Candelaria, of the 
Herald News Group; Mr. Tom Gutierrez, Jr., of WJOB radio; Ms. Terry 
Serna, of La Voz Newspaper; Mr. Joe Arrendondo, of channel 56/WYIN; Ms. 
Sylvia Lopez, of WGN; and Mr. Carmello Melendez.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other colleagues to join me in 
applauding all of the award recipients chosen by the Hispanic 
coordinating council. I feel that all of the participants are most 
deserving of the honors that will be bestowed upon them. It is my 
privilege to commend them on their achievements.


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