By Mary O’KEEFE

The Glendale Latino Association recently held its Community Awards and Installation Luncheon at the Oakmont Country Club.

Throughout the year, the GLA supports the community including students at both the high school and college levels. This year they awarded $17,000 in scholarships to local students. The scholarships are given to students who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary citizenship. The organization promotes activities that improve education while bringing together businesses and professionals, according to GLA’s mission statement.

Each year the GLA awards two individuals and a business in the community that exemplifies their goal of promoting awareness of Latino culture.

Honored at the banquet were Woman of the Year Robin Goldsworthy, publisher of Crescenta Valley Weekly and president of Prom Plus, Man of the Year Ron De Pompa, chief of police for the city of Glendale, and Business of the Year was awarded to Jack Ivey of Glendale Memorial Hospital.

De Pompa thanked the GLA, praising its members for the work the organization does for the community, and shared his award with the men and women of his department.

Those who attended the banquet reflected on the mission of the GLA to reach out to the entire community regardless of ethnic background. Leaders from throughout the community, both in business, civic organizations and public service, shared a meal and showed their support for the versatile organization.

  Mary Okeefe