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Stockton to honor 10 for contributions to Hispanic culture and heritage

  • Downbeach

Enjoy a 'Night in Old San Juan' Saturday, Oct. 9 at Stockton's Atlantic City campus.

ACPD Lt. Wilbur Santiago, AC Mike and Elvis Cadavid of Vagabond among honorees

ATLANTIC CITY - A Stockton University student and a Stockton employee are among 10 honorees at the Nuestro Pueblo Awards being held 6-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9 at Stockton University's John F. Scarpa Academic Center, 3711 Atlantic Ave.

This year's theme is A Night in Old San Juan. It is sponsored by the Stockton Unidos organization and the Hispanic Association of Atlantic County. It will also include music, food and dancing.

Nuestro Pueblo Awards planning committee Chairwoman Jessica Grullon said the event is designed to promote community involvement and advancement of our Hispanic cultural heritage by recognizing individuals and/or organizations that are making a difference in nuestro pueblo' - our community.

This year's honorees are:

Future Leader Award - Jetzaly Medina of Atlantic City, Stockton University Engelberg Scholar award recipient.

STEM - Kirby Ortiz, Stockton University Information Technology Services, has worked with the Latino community during the pandemic to assist with accessing online learning and virtual platforms.

Arts and Entertainment - Mike Lopez, also known as AC Mike, is a media personality on WOND Radio, Comcast 1090 and YouTube, known for his support of Atlantic City.

Community Service - Luis Rodriguez, President and Executive Director, La Casa Dominicana of Nueva Jersey.

Education - Yasnaya Lorick, teacher at Sovereign Ave School, community activist and foster parent.

Entrepreneurship - Elvis Cadavid, Co-owner, Vagabond Kitchen & Tap House, which has awarded scholarships through Vagabond Charities.

Healthcare - Jenny Hernandez, AtlantiCare employee and co-chair of AtlantiCare Latinos Moving Forward has worked to vaccinate Hispanic residents.

Nuestro Amigo/a - David Vinokurov, Senior Customer Outreach Specialist at South Jersey Gas.

Organizational Amigo/a - Atlantic Cape Community College for its vaccination work during the pandemic at the Atlantic City Megasite and other community outreach programs.

Public Service - Lieutenant Wilber Santiago, Atlantic City Police Department, first Latino lieutenant in the department and Commander of the Neighborhood Coordination Unit, he also served as executive director of the Atlantic City Police Athletic League from 2014-19.

Net proceeds will benefit Unidos and HAAC scholarship funds. Guests are encouraged to dress in tropical cocktail attire.

Tickets are $75 and can be purchased through the Unidos website at stockton.edu/unidos/ . Sponsorships are also available. For more information, contact [email protected]