Bank of America Awards Barrio Logan Students for Service

BLCI Kids, Parent named Student Leaders, Local Hero
San Diego, CA – October 27, 2006

Bank of America has once again recognized the students of Barrio Logan College Institute for their commitment to creating better neighborhoods and a brighter future. 

At Monday’s 2006 San Diego Neighborhood Excellence initiative Awards, Bank of America’s San Diego Market President, David Ohanian, presented Student Leader Awards to Brian Gonzalez and Roxana Flores, and a Local Hero Award to BLCI parent and board member Angel Prado. 

The NEI awards recognize students with a desire to help build and sustain vibrant neighborhoods.  Brian and Roxana will work with a Bank of America mentor this year; next summer, they will receive paid internships at the non-profits of their choice. 

Brian, a junior at the Pruess School at UCSD, is president of the Outdoor Adventures club and has led many community service excursions at BLCI.  He also participated in the San Diego Media Arts Center Teen Producers Project this summer. 

Roxana spent much of her time last year serving at Paradise Valley Hospital, where she worked mostly with the elderly.  A senior at Sweetwater High, Roxana also performs with her school and church troupes, and is heavily involved in baile folklorio, traditional Mexican dance. 

Señor Prado received the Local Hero Award in recognition of his tireless efforts as an advocate for higher education in Barrio Logan.  Sr. Prado became a part of the BLCI family in 1996, when his son Victor joined the program.  Victor is now a freshman at SDSU, but Sr. Prado continues to inspire families to get involved.  Sr. Prado will also donate his award – a $5,000 prize – to BLCI.

“I’m grateful to Bank of America for this chance to make a difference in my community.” - Brian Gonzalez, Student Leader

“This is a great thing for these kids.  It shows that people are going to support them when they go out there and try to make a difference.”  - Angel Prado, Local Hero

This marks the third year in a row that BLCI students have received Student Leader awards – past winners have received internships at San Diego Media Arts Center, Big Brother/Big Sisters, and even here at BLCI!  Last year, BLCI also received the NEI: Neighborhood Builders Award, a $200,000 two-year grant to ensure our ongoing sustainability as we help local kids become the first in their families to go to college. 

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