Hispanics Achieving and Celebrating Excellence

The Hispanics Achieving and Celebrating Excellence Committee, created in 1985 by concerned staff and faculty at Quinsigamond Community College along with others in the Worcester community, is working to raise community awareness of the richness of the Hispanic culture, as well as Worcester and Southbridge Hispanic youth accomplishments by:

• Encouraging youth to focus on education and take positive steps to live whole and successful lives
• Recognizing achievements of young people of Hispanic heritage in such areas as academics, arts, athletics, community service, leadership, and political/civic engagement
• Providing positive role models through inspirational speakers and exposure to community leaders who participate and support the efforts of the H.A.C.E. Committee

The 38th H.A.C.E. Reception will take place on November 8 at 5:45 PM. Over the last 37 years, the Committee has recognized 823 Hispanic students with financial awards totaling $212,350.00. This event has been a success due to the tremendous backing of area foundations, companies, and businesses, our Committee's volunteer efforts, and the in-kind support of Quinsigamond Community College. The money raised through sponsorships and the purchase of ads is distributed directly to the students. The reception is funded by Quinsigamond Community College and through ticket sales.

Keynote Speaker - Fabiola Méndez

Fabiola Méndez is a Puerto Rican cuatro player, singer, educator, and composer that has taken part in a musical movement, crossing over the lines of genres such as folkloric, jazz & Latin. Her musicality and original compositions take the listener on a journey through her identities and culture, while celebrating and exploring the versatility of the cuatro Puertorriqueño. Recognized for being the first student to graduate from Berklee College of Music with the cuatro as principal instrument (2018), Fabiola performs nationally and internationally, and works as a composer for children’s shows Alma’s Way (PBS Kids) and Sesame Street’s Mecha Builders (HBO Max). She has received numerous awards, including the Quincy Jones Award for composition, WBUR’s ARTery 25, the Brother Thomas Fellowship, Whippoorwill Arts Fellowship, ASCAP Lucille and Jack Yellen Award 2022, and a motion from the Puerto Rican House of Representatives for her work and accomplishments as a cuatrista.