SPRINGFIELD, MA—The Massachusetts Latino Chamber of Commerce, El Mundo Newspaper and the Boston Red Sox honored outstanding Latino students at Fenway Park in Boston Massachusetts. The ten students: Kristina Torres, Steven Martinez, Maria Linares, Darious Santiago, Bryan Geng, Mabel Baez, Lydia Vazquez, Cesar Acevedo, Carlos Gonzalez II and Elizabeth Espiritusanto, were selected from Springfield Public Schools for their outstanding academic accomplishments and leadership skills. Elizabeth received a standing ovation as she sang the National Anthem before a sold-out crowd. “My dream is to sing at Fenway Park,” stated Elizabeth to her mother years ago, her mom simply laughed. Elizabeth is an outstanding 8th grade student at Duggan Middle school. On the same day she celebrated her birthday, graduated from middle school and made her dream come true when she sang at Fenway Park on June 15, 2007. The students selected represented the following schools: Robert M. Hughes, John F. Kennedy, Alfred G. Zanetti Montessori Magnet School, M. Marcus Kiley, John J. Duggan, Forest Park, Elias Brookings, Van Sickle Middle School and Glenwood School.



The Massachusetts Latino Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Role Model Of The Year Award recipient, Clodovaldo Concepcion, threw out the first pitch before the game against the San Francisco Giants. Clodovaldo Concepcion was born in Cuba and came to the United States in 1956. Once in the U.S. he joined the United States Air Force and attended St. Michael’s College. Clodovaldo has risen and become one of the most active community members of Springfield. He presently serves as Springfield’s Chapter AARP president, he is the Shriner’s Hospital Ambassador to the Hispanic Community and serves as president of the Sixteen Acres Civic Association. Clodovaldo also serves on the Community Police Board and the Springfield Elder Affair committee. City Councilor President Kateri Walsh, and City Councilor Tim Rooke represented the City of Springfield and Dr. Denise Pagan-Vega represented the Springfield Public School Department. The sponsors for this event were Springfield College, Mayor Charlie Ryan and Chase, Clarke, Stewart and Fontana Insurance, Law Office of Attorney Reinaldo Gonzalez and City Councilor Tim Rooke, We also extend a thank you to Brandon Neal for his support in making this a reality.