From sports to science, the Latino Student Union (LSU) has celebrated the accomplishments of the Latino community for nearly two decades. Hosted on April 16, their 18th annual Latino Awards honored Latino excellence on campus with 128 awards.
“It’s a population that should be celebrated that also needs a boost in confidence,” math teacher and LSU alum Glenda Vargas ‘13 said.
To kick off the event, the A Cappella club performed songs such as “Cielito Lindo” and “Wake Me Up” during the reception before family and friends entered the Eagle Theater.
This year, LSU centered its annual award theme around a special part of many students’ lives: their mothers. As families walked into the theater, mothers were given floral hairclips.
“Every single Latino, when asked who is the most important person in their life, will say their mom,” LSU adviser Ariel Rojas said
The ceremony opened with folklórico dances from the professional company Raices de Mexico, who danced to the Jalisco songs “Guadalajara” and “Son de la Negra.”
With 128 awards given out, the event honored students in a variety of categories, including the top five highest GPA’s per grade, achievements in performing arts and scholar-athlete awards.
Between award announcements, three guests spoke about how their mothers pushed them to overcome hardship: Mountain View Mayor Ellen Kamei, social worker Alba Garza and Senate District 13 2025 Woman of the Year Olga Melo.
The awards also give students the opportunity to be proud of their accomplishments and be connected to the school community.
“My sacrifices and determination for my schooling are what got me here today,” four-time award winner senior Valeria Sanchez Castro said. “I am proud of myself for working towards my education and grateful for everyone who acknowledged and nominated me for these awards.”
According to Rojas, the awards also helped motivate Latino students to continue their hard work in and out of school.
“A lot of the students who are nominated are ELD students,” LSU President senior Manny Contreras said. “One of the greatest feelings you can get from the ceremony is being recognized for improving in your education.”
