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
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 1st
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.
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