 |
|||||
| "This award recognizes
the extraordinary efforts of ordinary people who bridge racial, cultural
and religious divides in their day-to-day lives. We honor people who
make a difference and yet may not be known to most of us within the
St. Louis region. Gitana is committed to demonstrating, within arts
and education, the vital connection between global healing and local
humanitarianism.” Cecilia Nadal, Executive Director, Gitana Productions |
|||||
|
|||||
| 2013 Extraordinary Person of the Year: Deeds Beyond Race, Religion and Nationality | |||||
Elena Kenyon, originally from Galicia, Spain was a Spanish teacher in the Lindbergh School District for 35 years and noticed that many of the African American kids who were bused to Lindbergh were not as engaged socially so she voluntarily spear-headed an after-school program including a talent show and started a mentoring program to build self-esteem and pride among the youth and their parents. The program was very successful and continues today. This spirit of service is reflected in many aspects of Elena’s life with the community of people who are poor, the homeless and with Latino families associated with the service program from Our Lady of Guadalupe Church’s St. Vincent DePaul Society. For Elena, service has been a way of life in Spain as well as the United States. Her years of commitment across cultures and as a volunteer was indeed impressive! Silvia Martinez was a runner up for this award. She serves as an Intake Coordinator at the Catholic Charities Community Services Southside Center. Silvia over the years has reached out beyond the call of duty to identify community resources to support the varied needs of the Latino community whether it is finding financial support for healthcare, legal counsel, distributing food donations for the most in need or just being a friendly listening ear for many Latinos. Her ability to make everyone feel welcome with a sense of safety was noted as her outstanding quality. Lisa Gage, also a runner up was nominated for her role as a “world ambassador” as educator, dancer, storyteller and choreographer. She has worked on programs regarding Caribbean Carnival traditions and worked with Grupo Atlantico, a Columbian dance ensemble to amplify the artistic connections between Africa and South America. Her work has been featured at the Missouri History Museum, the African Arts Festival and local libraries and universities. Visit www.gitana-inc.org to see other winners of this award |
|||||
| Frances and May Yueh 2012 Extraordinary Persons of the Year | |||||
Francis and May immigrated to the United States from Taiwan in 1986. He is chief editor of the St. Louis Chinese American News and an employee of Wells Fargo Bank. Francis serves as a commissioner of the Missouri Botanical Garden Subdistrict Commission and serves on numerous boards. He works with St. Louis City, St. Louis County, International Institute, the World Trade Center, and various local Chinese and American companies and organizations to increase awareness, visibility and credibility of Chinese-Americans in the St. Louis region. May Wu, is an educator, entrepreneur and dedicated community service worker. She is owner and director of the St. Louis Chinese American News. After graduating from National Chung-Hsing University in Taiwan, May established a kindergarten in Taiwan to fulfill her late mother’s wish. She also taught Chinese at Sin-Ming High School in Taiwan for five years. Prior to her role at the St. Louis Chinese American News, she was an administrator at the St. Louis Chinese Cultural Center of Taiwan, Republic of China. May has received numerous awards for her editorial and community work. |
|||||
| Previous Recipients (a sample) | |||||
|
Rameshwar Das, a priest at the Hindu Temple of St. Louis, received the 2011 award as “Extraordinary/Ordinary Person of the Year Award,” at Cardinal Rigali Center on May 20, 2011. He was honored for his work and support to SAWERAA, a nonprofit organization that helps South Asian women who are victims of domestic violence. | ||||
|
Aziza Seddiqui, of St. Louis was selected for her work with St. Louis-based Bi-Lingual International Assistant Services (BIAS), an organization that aids immigrants and refugees in connecting with services to learn English, establish a life in the area and prepare for naturalization tests. The majority of Seddiqui’s work with BIAS includes helping Afghan, Nepali, Pakistani and other foreign individuals find assistance to prepare for naturalization. In the past year, Seddiqui has tutored 35 individuals. Twenty-seven of them have attained citizenship. | ||||
 |
Larry and Judy Kendall were selected for their work with the African Refugee and Immigrant Services (ARIS), which assists Africans in St. Louis. Both Kendall’s are ARIS board members and Larry is secretary/treasurer. Most closely involved with Somali refugees in St. Louis, they make sure home visits are made to nearly every new family, and then quietly go about procuring furniture, household products, and connections in the community. | ||||
 |
Dr. Ghazala Hayat, a successful neurologist , mother and wife was chosen as the 2006 winner due to her passionate concern for humanity and tireless commitment to interfaith dialogue between Muslims and Jews in St. Louis. She contributed to the initiation of dialogue groups between muslim and Jewish youths as well as adults. Additionally she was the President of the Board of Directors for the Interfaith Partnership. | ||||
 |
Gedlu Metaferia, Founder and President of the African Mutual Assistance Association of Missouri (AMAAM), received the Extraordinary/Ordinary Person of the Year award in 2004. He has served more than 15,000 people as a board member for 12 non-political and not-for-profit organizations including the National Conference for Community and Justice, Zambia Hope and Immigrant Rights Group. He also worked with a broad range of civil rights and faith groups such as the Anti-Defamation League and Interfaith Partnership. | ||||
 |
Jessica Hentoff, Director of the St. Louis Arches and Circus Day Foundation Program received the Extraordinary/Ordinary Person of the Year award in 2003. Hentoff was awarded for using circus skills education as a means of bringing Jewish and Muslim youth together in a spirit of love. | ||||
Gitana provided special recognition of the cross-cultural work of Francis and May Yueh of the St. Louis Chinese American at the opening of “Muddy River. “Francis and May have generously supported Gitana Productions since 2000, when they promoted our event at Powell Symphony Hall featuring the China National Orchestra,” said Cecilia Nadal, executive director of Gitana Productions. “They have helped Gitana engage with the Asian community in St. Louis on an ongoing basis and are like family to us. Their willingness to work with diverse groups in St. Louis is exemplary.”
