San Angelo Hispanic Heritage Month Awards
The San Angelo Hispanic Heritage Museum is proud to introduce a distinguished group of awards to be presented at our upcoming Hispanic Heritage Month Banquet on Friday, September 25, 2026. These honors include the Carolina Angela de la Garza Dewitt Legend Award, the Captain Albert Tijerina Jr. Trailblazer Award, the Eva Camunez Tucker Service Award, and the Carol Santry Educator Award.
For 2026, we are excited to expand this legacy of recognition with two new honors: the Arte y Cultura Impact Award, celebrating those who have made meaningful contributions to the arts and cultural expression, and the Jóvenes Líderes Rising Star Award, recognizing emerging young leaders who are shaping the future of our community. Together, these awards embody the spirit of our heritage, unity, and the remarkable individuals who have left an indelible mark on San Angelo. They serve as a powerful testament to the importance of recognizing and honoring those whose contributions have enriched our cultural legacy.
By celebrating these outstanding individuals, we not only pay homage to their dedication, but also reinforce the importance of preserving and perpetuating our vibrant Hispanic culture. These awards represent the lasting legacy we create when we uplift, support, and honor those who have selflessly dedicated themselves to the betterment of our community.
NOMINATIONS DEADLINE: August 1, 2026
The Carolina Angela de la Garza Dewitt Legend Award
This esteemed recognition pays tribute to an extraordinary individual of Hispanic heritage who has significantly contributed to the development and cultural richness of San Angelo, Texas. Named after Carolina Angela de la Garza Dewitt, the wife of the city's founder and the visionary behind its name, this award acknowledges those who embody her legacy of innovation, community dedication, and lasting positive impact. This honoree has the accomplishments of a true legend, whose spirit continues to shape and inspire our city's identity.
The Captain Albert Tijerina Jr. Trailblazer Award
This esteemed accolade is dedicated to honoring the outstanding contributions of a rising Hispanic individual who is making a significant impact on the fabric of San Angelo, Texas. The award is a tribute to the legacy of Captain Albert Tijerina Jr., a trailblazing figure who exemplified determination, leadership and unwavering commitment to both his community and country. This honoree exemplifies courage, dedication, and a pioneering spirit.
The Eva Camunez Tucker Service Award
This distinguished accolade is dedicated to recognizing the remarkable volunteerism of a Hispanic individual within the San Angelo Hispanic Heritage Museum, whose efforts stand as a beacon of commitment to honoring and preserving the rich Hispanic culture in our beloved San Angelo, Texas. We celebrate the Eva Camunez Tucker Service Award, a fitting homage to a woman whose legacy radiates through every act of kindness and compassion. Through this award, we honor those who, like Eva, have dared to care, who have dedicated their time, energy, and passion to elevate the Hispanic culture in San Angelo. This honoree embodies the spirit of stewardship, kindness, and community-building.
The Carol Santry Educator Award
On August 1, 2025 our community lost a San Angelo legend, educator and former HHM awardee Ms. Carol Santry. To honor her memory and legacy in our community and in educating many about our culture it is only fitting to create a new award that honors the best of our culture in education. The award goes to an educator who embodies the best of us, an inspiration in overcoming obstacles and leading by example.
NEW 2026 AWARD CATEGORIES
The Arte y Cultura Impact Award
This award recognizes an artist whose creative work serves as a powerful vehicle for educating, promoting, and celebrating Hispanic culture in San Angelo, Texas and/or surrounding communities. Through their artistry, they amplify stories, traditions, and voices that enrich and inspire the community. This award is about impact through creativity—recognizing cultural leadership expressed through art, not traditional service or organizational leadership. We are looking for artists of all kinds - painters, sculptors, digital artists, musicians, photographers, mixed media artists, actors - to name a few!
The Jóvenes Líderes Rising Star Award
(Youth Leadership & Community Impact Award)
This award honors an emerging Hispanic youth who is already demonstrating exceptional leadership, service, and commitment to uplifting the Hispanic community in San Angelo, Texas. This individual represents the next generation of changemakers—setting a powerful example for their peers and those who follow. We are looking for a young leader between the age of 16-25 who is actively engaged, service-driven, and already influencing others in meaningful ways.
