A star-studded celebration last week brought Latino sports heroes and celebrities to Lawrence High.

Retired baseball star Sammy Sosa, Atlanta Hawks forward Al Horford, former Miss Universe Amelia Vega and former Miss USA Susie Castillo were among those in attendance for the third annual Latin Pride Awards.

In addition to the celebrities, awards were presented to police officers, business people and educators.

Holding the awards ceremony at Lawrence High was a great idea. It gave Lawrence students the chance to meet the famous and ordinary people who have achieved great success in their lives.
Kudos to the event hosts — husband and wife Santiago Matias and Milagros Dominguez of Haverhill, and to the Lawrence school system for putting on such an event. Also, a nod of appreciation to the celebrities who came out to a venue somewhat less glamorous than the ones they may be used to.

"This is not an award because they are famous," Matias said. "We're honoring them because their stories serve as an inspiration to our young people."
Kids today need inspiration, particularly as in recent weeks when the news has been so negative. Newspapers and television are full of stories of failure — failing mortgages, failing banks, failing rescue plans. Kids today might well wonder if there's any future for them at all.

In meeting these representatives of hard work and success, we hope students are inspired. The future, after all, will be what they make of it.

Published for Eagle Tribune October 02, 2008 for more information please visited
http://www.eagletribune.com/archivesearch/local_story_276181422.html

Contacts for information: Milagros Dominguez (978) 914-6154, (978) 569-4466 or write to our e-mail mdominguez@latinpridenationalawards.com or visiting our website www.latinpridenationalawards.com or myspace.com/latinpridemagazine