Just a Thought" Column continues in La Prensa of SA, 10-27

Just a Thought: La Prensa Leadership Awards
By Steve Walker

Last week La Prensa Foundation Inc. hosted the 2013 Leadership Awards Gala at the Omni Hotel in the Colonnade. Ten outstanding leaders in their field who contribute to the well being of the community were honored.

As the Editor of the Walker Report photo blog I was invited to take photos of the recipients as well as the attendees. The event drew a large diverse crowd that gathered for the festivities.

It was exciting to chronicle the contributions of the ten honorees that consistently make significant differences in the lives of everyday people. They bring passion, compassion and a willingness to go the extra mile in ensuring the community is a better place to live.

MC’d by News 4 WOAI Anchorman Randy Beamer, San Antonio radio celebrity Sonny Melendrez served as the Keynote Speaker with comic relief from News 4 WOAI Reporter and professional stand up comedian Cleto Rodriguez.

Rodriguez (Where’s Cleto? morning segment) kept the crowd laughing, 3-time Emmy Winner Beamer kept the event moving quickly and informative and Melendrez, twice named “National Radio Personality of the Year” by Billboard Magazine, offered a motivational speech that inspired many of those in attendance. His basic message was to maintain enthusiasm in life by being kind to others and it will be a better world for it.

The resumes of the recipients proved that message over and over during the presentation of the plaques.

From Business Award recipient Charles Barrett who serves as the President of the Board for St. Mary’s University, Civic Award recipient Dr. Alan Baribeau, founder of the Laser Eye Institute, Community Award recipient Gladys Appelt, a legal secretary and office manager for her husand, judicial candidate Joe Appelt, the recipients sport impressive credentials.

Then there is Corporate Award recipient Kathleen Korvich Acock who has been the recipient of various awards from the construction industry, Education Award recipient Dr. Maria Hernandez Ferrier the President of Texas A&M University, and Entrepreneur Award recipient Elaine Mendoza who serves on the Regents of the Texas A&M University System.

Finally, Humanitarian Award recipient Larry Benson, a former Rey Feo serves on the Board of Directors at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital, Legal Award recipient D.A. Susan Reed is the 1^st women elected Bexar County District Attorney, Medical Award recipient Dr. Bill Gonzaba was honored by the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Business Success Series, and Political Award recipient John Steen, who is the current Secretary of State.

With two past columns on people in general “making a difference,”

These 10 leaders honored by the La Prensa Foundation epitomize those who do and will continue to make a difference in the community.

Anyway, as always, what I write is “Just a Thought.”

Steve Walker is a Vietnam Veteran and former Justice of the Peace and Journalist.