In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month September 15 – October 15, Mayor Annise Parker and the Mayor’s Hispanic Advisory Board will host the 2010 Mayor’s Hispanic Heritage Awards in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 thru October 15). Nominations are now being accepted for this year’s honorees.

Applications are available online at http://www.houstontx.gov/specialevents/hispanicheritage.html. The deadline is July 15.

“Houston has a diverse and broad base of volunteers,” said Mayor Parker. “Many of these volunteers go above and beyond the call of duty, giving freely of their time or their financial generosity. The Hispanic Heritage Awards allow us to recognize some of the individuals who have made outstanding contributions toward improving the quality of life in the Hispanic community.”

There are five award categories: Community Activist, Education, Lifetime Achievement, Public Safety and Youth Activist. All applications must be accompanied by biographies and 500-word narrative statements highlighting the service provided by the nominees. The award recipients will be selected through a process conducted by the appointed Mayor’s Hispanic Heritage Awards Committee. The winners will be announced on October 7.

All winners will be presented with an award at the kick-off celebration. Recipients also will be presented consecutively with a mayoral proclamation in their honor at Tuesday City Council sessions throughout Hispanic Heritage Month.