La Raza honors 6 community leaders

State Rep. Ross Romero, D-Salt Lake, says his parents have been his greatest role models — his mother a school teacher and his father a social worker.

Both stressed the importance of education and community service.

Now a freshman lawmaker, Romero said: "It's an immensely important part of our responsibility being in elected office to serve as role models and help promote opportunities for younger generations."

Romero was one of six community leaders honored Thursday by Utah Coalition of La Raza for their individual achievements and dedication to the community.

"They are very active in the community," said Frank Cordova, the organization's director. "Individually, they've reached standards that are symbolic."

Cordova said he'd like to make events like the reception at Centro de la Familia a quarterly event.

"Every one of them is unique," Cordova said of the honorees. "We're trying to show the overall community we have successful people who are contributing greatly to this community."

Romero was honored along with:

• Aillen Aviles, West High School teacher and Utah Foreign Language Teacher of 2004.

• Yvette Donosso Diaz, appointed to Gov. Jon Huntsman's Cabinet as the executive director of the Department of Community & Arts.

• Patrick J. Garcia, assistant superintendent for the Salt Lake City School District.

• Theresa A. Martinez, associate dean and professor at the University of Utah sociology department.

• Rep. Mark Wheatley, D-Murray, newly elected to the House of Representatives.

Wheatley said he was honored to be among those recognized as a role model.

"It's very important for individuals who have commitment and love for their community to be recognized from time to time so younger individuals can go forward," Wheatley said. "One person can make a difference."

Diaz said it's positive to "have a time to celebrate." The awards also give young people in the community an opportunity to see positive role models, she said.

The event was co-sponsored by the Utah State Office of Hispanic Affairs, Centro de la Familia and the Voter Registration and Education Project (VREP).

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E-mail: dbulkeley@desnews.com