SHREVEPORT, La. — The Hispanic Heritage Association of Northwest Louisiana awarded high school students and community leaders during its Latino Leadership Awards and Scholarships event at Bally’s Casino and Hotel in downtown Shreveport.
The event brought together local community leaders, elected officials and business professionals to celebrate the achievements and contributions of the Hispanic community in northwest Louisiana.
Seventeen high school students received scholarships and 10 Latino leaders were recognized for their contributions to the community. The program also featured keynote speakers and award presentations.
Briant Garcia, co-founder of the Hispanic Heritage Association of Northwest Louisiana, said he takes pride in seeing the organization grow each year.
“What started as a group of friends wanting to recognize the Latino community” has developed into a nonprofit organization, Garcia said.
Over the past few years, the organization has awarded more than $50,000 in scholarships, Garcia said. At this year’s event, more than $20,000 in scholarships were awarded.
According to Garcia, the organization’s mission is to educate, inform and help the Latino community move forward.
