Elgin Latino Political Action Team presents honors

Elgin's version of the Oscars returned Tuesday night with the Elgin Latino Political Action Team's 2007 achievement awards.

But the ceremony's bald, golden men aren't named Oscar or given to actors and actresses.

These awards are reserved for outstanding Latinos who have improved Elgin's quality of life.

The group -- ELPAT for short -- is a political advocate for issues affecting the city's Latino population.

This year, ELPAT invited organizations to present a volunteer of the year award. Jesse Delgado, who designed the site plan for Fiesta Salsa, is this year's winner.

ELPAT is honoring several others.

• Jo Ann Armenta received the group's community service award for her work as a Gail Borden Library trustee and with the League of United Latin American Citizens' state convention in Elgin.

• Betty Brown, a local columnist, received the group's Douglas L. Hoeft Memorial Award that's given to a non-Latino for covering Hispanic community and social events.

• Cuca Cartagena, known locally for her Caribbean artwork, won the group's art award, for highlighting Afro-Caribbeans in her sculptures, paintings and jewelry.

• Olga De Leon, an Elgin city employee for the past 17 years, won the group's government award. Initially hired to work in the human resources department, she is now the only Latino in the city manager's office, where she is a liaison between city hall and Elgin's Latino community.

• El Faro Restaurant and its owner, Delfino Bello, won the group's business award for operating a successful chain while giving back to the community. El Faro, a family owned restaurant, has four eateries in all.

• Gregorio Posada, a bilingual second-grade teacher at Gifford Elementary School, received the group's education award. Posada exposes his students to Mexican culture and spends his time before school to help students improve their writing skills.

• Klaudia Velazquez, a volleyball player at Elgin High School, received the group's athletic award. Her accomplishments in volleyball and 3.7 grade-point average have drawn letters of interest from the University of South Carolina and the University of Buffalo.

The following received $1,000 in scholarships:

• Julio Ramirez of Elgin High School.

• Jhona Rojas also of Elgin High School.

• Adela Castaneda of Larkin High School.

• Isabella Martinez of Streamwood High School.

• Jose Alarcon of Elgin Community College.

Finally, the group gave a $500 scholarship to a teen mom. This year's winner was Sarah Cerna of Elgin High School.