Latin Pride National Awards at Lawrence High School

By Yadira Betances
ybetances@eagletribune.com

September 19, 2008 12:11 am

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LAWRENCE — NBA players Charles Villanueva and Al Horford. "The Shield" star Paula Garces. The well-known and controversial baseball player Sammy Sosa.

They are among the star-studded lineup expected to attend the Latin Pride National Awards at Lawrence High School on Sept. 25.

It's the third year for the awards, hosted by husband and wife Santiago Matias and Milagros Dominguez of Haverhill. It will be the first time it's been held outside Boston.

"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."

While there are local residents who also have overcome obstacles, Matias said the celebrity status helps attract young people's attention.

"We want to show Latinos that they don't have to drop out of school and leave your dreams behind. They can do anything they want," Matias said.

The day before the show, Villanueva, the former University of Connecticut star, and Al Horford, one of the top young big men in the game, will speak to members of the Lawrence High basketball team.

Also expected to attend the awards are Former Miss Universe Amelia Vega and Former Miss USA Susie Castillo of Methuen. They will speak with female students at Lawrence High the day before the show.

Matias and Dominguez said they moved the ceremony from Boston to the new Lawrence High School to showcase its Performing Arts Center.

"We feel Lawrence deserves the recognition," Matias said.

In addition to the awards ceremony, the event will feature jazz, rhythm and blues, salsa, pop, bachata and Spanish rock by local and international artists. Local artists include Domenic Marte, Pica and the duo of Carlos and Alejandra.

There also will be a special honor in memory of U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Alex Jimenez, who went missing in Iraq for 14 months before his body was discovered in July.

The awards ceremony coincides with Hispanic Heritage Month, which is celebrated nationally Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.