The Hispanics Achieving and Celebrating Excellence (HACE) Awards celebrated its 40th anniversary last month, honoring decades of work uplifting Hispanic and Latino youth across Worcester, Southbridge and surrounding communities.
Founded in 1985, the program has awarded more than $240,000 in scholarships to over 850 students in Central Massachusetts. The annual event recognizes Hispanic and Latino students for achievements in academics, arts, athletics, community service, leadership and civic engagement.
“This is more than an anniversary. It’s a celebration of Latino culture of excellence, service to the community and the incredible power of perseverance,” said keynote speaker Eladia Romero-Rodriguez, regional manager for the Office of U.S. Congressman James P. McGovern. “For 40 years, HACE has not simply spoken about empowerment, they have embodied it.”
Speakers at the event highlighted the program’s role in creating pathways to higher education and leadership for Latino youth, especially amid systemic challenges such as financial barriers, underfunded schools and cultural isolation.
“I stand on the shoulders of people who created the path for me to be here today,” said Worcester City Manager Eric Batista, a former HACE recipient. “It’s my job to continue that legacy and give back to the young people of the city.”
State Sen. Robyn Kennedy praised the organization’s impact, calling it “a lifeline and a launching pad” for generations of students. “When Latino students succeed, our entire community succeeds,” Kennedy said.
"Celebrating 40 years of HACE is personal to me. It is about honoring our roots while investing in the future," said Chair of the HACE Committee and QCC's Coordinator of Future Focus Program Gilmarie Vongphakdy. "Together, we will continue to uplift Latino youth and ensure the next 40 years shine even brighter."
The celebration also honored founders and long-standing committee members, such as Maria Addison, Olga Lopez Hill and former State Senate President Harriette Chandler, who have sustained the program for four decades. Leaders urged continued support through mentorship, volunteerism and financial contributions to ensure future success for Latino youth.
“Your support for this organization is saying to each one of those students, ‘We believe in you’. Higher education changes lives and you are changing lives by being here,” said QCC President Dr. Luis Pedraja.
For more information or to contribute, visit QCC.edu/hace.