Hispanic Heritage Foundation and Staples Foundation for Learning Announce Continued Collaboration and National Teacher Award Winner

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF), a national non-profit organization that identifies, inspires, promotes and prepares Latino leaders in the community, classroom and workforce, and Staples Foundation for Learning (SFFL), a private foundation created by Staples, Inc., today announced Mr. Gilbert Viveros of Maywood, CA as the winner of the 2009 National Staples Foundation and Hispanic Heritage Teacher Award. SFFL is the sole sponsor of the award, which is the first of its kind and recognizes educators making a positive impact on the lives of Latino students. In addition, SFFL is renewing its support of HHF with a $100,000 grant. Since 2006, SFFL has provided HHF with $300,000 in support of the Teacher Award and their Latino education programs.

“The Staples Foundation and Hispanic Heritage Teacher Award recognizes those positive role models that make a difference in the lives of students on a daily basis.”

Today, SFFL and HHF will present Mr. Viveros with the National Staples Foundation and Hispanic Heritage Teacher Award during a special ceremony at Bongos Cuban Cafe in Miami, FL. In recognition for this accomplishment, Mr. Viveros will receive a ceremonial plaque and $1,000 Staples gift card in addition to the $500 Staples gift card already received at the Los Angeles regional event.

Mr. Viveros, a Spanish Language teacher at Maywood Academy, was nominated by Isabeth Mendoza, a Journalism Regional Hispanic Heritage Youth Award recipient. Mr. Viveros founded the College Peer Counseling program at Maywood Academy, which pairs high school juniors and seniors with freshman and sophomores to teach them about the college application process. As the only college counselor at his school, Mr. Viveros plays a vital role in preparing students for the next phase of their life after high school by providing them with information and guidance to help them advance their education.

“Through continued support from Staples Foundation for Learning, the Hispanic Heritage Foundation is able to honor those influential educators who inspire youth within the Latino community,” said Jose Antonio Tijerino, president and chief executive officer of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation. “With the commitment of these teachers, we continue to impress upon the youth of our community the importance of education and leadership.”

“Staples Foundation for Learning has renewed its partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation as part of our ongoing commitment to recognize educators for their commitment to helping youth from all backgrounds realize their full potential,” said Ron Sargent, president of Staples Foundation for Learning and chairman and chief executive officer of Staples, Inc. “The Staples Foundation and Hispanic Heritage Teacher Award recognizes those positive role models that make a difference in the lives of students on a daily basis.”

In 2009 teachers from 12 regions were honored as Staples Foundation Hispanic Heritage Regional Teacher Award winners, and received a plaque and a $500 Staples gift card to help purchase much-needed classroom supplies. The 2009 Staples Foundation Hispanic Heritage Teacher Awardees are:

Chicago – Michael Pearson, Dundee Crown High School, Carpentersville, IL
Dallas – Rita Hines, School of Science and Engineering Magnet, Dallas TX
Houston – Robert Salinas, J. Frank Dobie High School, Houston, TX
Los Angeles – Gilbert Viveros, Maywood Academy, Maywood, CA
Miami – Tania Seale, Miami Senior High School, Miami, FL
Northeast – Christine Langhoff, John D. O'Bryant School of Mathematics and Science, Roxbury, MA
Northern California – Cecilia Soto, Lodi High School, Lodi, CA
Philadelphia – William Wenninger, Hershey High School, Hershey, PA
Phoenix – Deborah Nipar, Hamilton High School, Chandler, AZ
San Antonio – Dr. Norbert Freckmann, Floresville High School, Floresville, TX
San Diego – Nikolette Lowry, Westview High School, San Diego, CA
Washington, DC – Dr. Paul Cammer, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Alexandria, VA

All teachers were nominated by regional Hispanic Heritage Youth Award recipients. Each recipient submitted an essay about a teacher who has made a lasting impact on his or her life. The teacher finalists were selected for their outstanding contributions to student achievement in the classroom and their exceptional ability to encourage students to believe in themselves and give back to their communities.

About Hispanic Heritage Foundation

The Hispanic Heritage Foundation, a 501c3 not-for-profit organization, identifies, prepares, and positions Latino leaders in the community, classroom and workforce through national cultural, educational, and career development programs. For more information about the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, please visit www.HispanicHeritage.org.

About Staples Foundation for Learning

The mission of Staples Foundation for Learning, Inc. is to teach, train and inspire. Founded in 2002, the foundation has contributed nearly $15 million to national and local charities that provide educational opportunities and job skills for all people, with a special emphasis on disadvantaged youth. Staples Foundation for Learning has also developed lasting relationships with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Earth Force, Hispanic Heritage Foundation and the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City. In addition, Staples Foundation for Learning supports Ashoka, an organization that develops and supports social entrepreneurs around the world, in eight countries: Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Spain and the United States. For more information about the foundation or how to apply for a grant, please visit www.staplesfoundation.org.