Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board
Mission
TThe City of Aurora Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board, a non-partisan advisory board that is community based and funded by the City of Aurora, serves to act as a bridge between the Hispanic community and all other communities in the City of Aurora. The Advisory Board recognizes diversity throughout the City of Aurora and will; therefore make a conscious effort to be all-inclusive.
Vision
To educate the public and our own community about the history of Hispanics that helped shape the City of Aurora. To instill pride of our heritage by honoring those who have come before us and those that continue to make a difference in our community. To participate, support and sponsor activities and education geared to the Hispanic Community.
For up-to-date information on the activities of the Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board, please visit our website, designed by Waubonsee Community College students, at www.aurorahispanicheritage.com.
HHAB Events
Community Breakfast
The 2010 Community Breakfast was held on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at Long Island Sound Banquets, 1920 E. New York Street.
Each year, student leaders, athletes, artists and writers are recognized along with the recipient of the Pete Perez Award, who is chosen for his or her leadership in the Hispanic community.
A complete program is available.
2010 HHAB Community Breakfast Winners
| Award | Placing | Name | Grade | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coloring Contest | 1st Place | Alberto Acevedo |
1st Grade | Greenman Elementary School |
| Coloring Contest | 2nd Place | Nhoe Morales | Kindergarten | Dieterich Elementary School |
| Coloring Contest | 3rd Place |
Brooklyn Capparelli | 1st Grade | Annunciation B.V.M. |
| Award | Placing | Name | Grade | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poster Contest | 1st Place | Maria Delgado | 4th Grade | Dieterich Elementary School |
| Poster Contest | 2nd Place | Damian Montes | 4th Grade | Hill Elementary School |
| Poster Contest | 3rd Place | Joselyne Menendez | 5th Grade | Dieterich Elementary School |
| Award | Placing | Name | Grade | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay Contest | 1st Place | Adriana Bonilla | 7th Grade | Jefferson Middle School |
| Essay Contest | 2nd Place (tie) | Kimberly Mascote | 8th Grade | Cowherd Middle School |
| Essay Contest | 2nd Place (tie) | Natalie Torres | 8th Grade | Washington Middle School |
| Essay Contest | 3rd Place | Calre Manion | 7th Grade | Hergert Middle School |
| Award | Placing | Name | Grade | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leadership/Excellence Overall | Carolina Galindo | 11th Grade | Rosary High School | |
| Leadership/Excellence Award | Ariana Rodriguez | 11th Grade | Rosary High School | |
| Leadership/Excellence Award | Amy Zepeda | 11th Grade | East Aurora High School |
| Award | Placing | Name | Grade | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Excellence | Zicaltazalhi Elizabeth Ochoa | 12th Grade | East Aurora High School | |
| General Excellence | Karen Lazcano | 12th Grade | East Aurora High School | |
| General Excellence | Rachel Elizabeth Maley | 12th Grade | Roasry High School | |
| General Excellence | Jomar Mendoza | 12th Grade | West Aurora High School | |
| General Excellence | Linda Oceguera | 12th Grade | East Aurora High School |
| Award | Placing | Name | Grade | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Excellence | Karina Diaz | University of Illinois | ||
| General Excellence | David Aquino | Aurora University | ||
| General Excellence | Lizzette Cambron | Aurora University | ||
| General Excellence | Ana Karina Guerrero | Aurora University | ||
| General Excellence | Michelle Zepeda | Aurora University |
2010 Peter J. Perez Award Recipient
The City of Aurora Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board celebrates the memory of Peter J. Perez each year by recognizing a member of the community who exemplifies his leadership and commitment to the community. Mr. Perez was born in the boxcar community of primarily Mexican railroad workers just outside of Aurora. He attended Marmion Military Academy and the University of Illinois and went on to play football for the Chicago Bears. Upon retiring from his sports career, Perez joined the Aurora Police Department where he served for 21 years. He went on to serve as Kane County’s Undersheriff for 13 years. He died of cancer in 1999 at the age of 74. The recipient of this year'sPeter J. Perez Award is:
Gonzalo Arroyo
Gonzalo is from Michoacan, Mexico and immigrated to the United States in 1980.
Gonzalo holds a Master Degree in Liberal Studies (emphasis in Leadership) from North Central College. He has been involved in community issues for the past 25 years both in the United States and in Mexico. He serves as a board member and volunteers in numerous non-for-profit organizations. He is the cofounder and first president of the Federacion de Clubes Michoacanos en Illinois (FEDECMI - Hometown Association from Michoacan in Illinois), former Bilingual Parents Association President, former Aurora School District #131 Board Member, former member of the Michoacan Government Committee, former auxiliary member for Instituto de los Mexicanos en el Extranjero (IME).
Currently, he is the Director of Family Focus Aurora - a not for profit organization family support organization. Family Focus programs are based on family support principles which basically respond to family strengths and needs in a holistic approach. Family Focus Aurora programs provide services on citizenship and immigration, adult education, family resource services, child development, after school programs, outreach and interpretation, support programs for foster parents and adoption. Community collaboration is essential in order to offer prevention health and literacy programs services in all Family Focus programs.
Gonzalo has three children: Mariana 23, Paloma 17 (from first marriage with Graciela Moreno) and Tonatiuh 6 (current wife Maria Medina-Arroyo).
El Día de Los Niños
2010 date to be announced
This event focuses on the children with fun activities, educational venues and entertainment. FREE FAMILY FUN!
Fiesta de Luces
2010 date to be announced
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month / Celebrando el mes de la herencia hispana.
The board is proud to offer these events to the Aurora community. Attendance continues to grow every year, which clearly shows the devotion of the Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board.
Our love of the Aurora community is evident and we will continue to give back whenever we are able!
For further information, please call The City of Aurora Mayor’s Office of Special Events at (630) 844-4731.