State Leaders Speak At Annual Gala For Local Hispanic Youth In Worcester

WORCESTER, MA — City and state leaders spoke at the annual Hispanics Achieving and Celebrating Excellence Awards gala and fundraiser this week.

Quinsigamond Community College presented the 40th anniversary of the event on Thursday at Top of the Tower. It was meant to support the achievements of local Hispanic youth in academics, the arts, athletics, and community service.

Speakers, including Sen. Robyn Kennedy and Worcester City Manager Eric Batista, a former HACE recipient, highlighted the program's role in creating pathways to higher education for Latin youth across Worcester, Southbridge, and the greater community.

The event's keynote speaker was Eladia Romero-Rodriguez, regional manager for the Office of U.S. Congressman James P. McGovern.

“This is more than an anniversary. It’s a celebration of Latino culture of excellence, service to the community and the incredible power of perseverance,” Romero-Rodriguez said. “For 40 years, HACE has not simply spoken about empowerment, they have embodied it.”

The program has awarded more than $240,000 in scholarships since its founding in 1985. More than 850 students in Central Massachusetts have benefited from the scholarship.

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