$100,000 Grant Celebrated with the Announcement of Staples Foundation and Hispanic Heritage Teacher Award Winner

The Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF), a national non-profit organization that identifies, inspires, promotes and prepares Latino leaders in the community, classroom and workforce, and Staples Foundation for Learning (SFFL), a private foundation created by Staples, Inc., today announced Mr. Gilbert Viveros of Maywood, CA as the winner of the 2009 National Staples Foundation and Hispanic Heritage Teacher Award. SFFL is the sole sponsor of the award, which is the first of its kind and recognizes educators making a positive impact on the lives of Latino students. In addition, SFFL is renewing its support of HHF with a $100,000 grant. Since 2006, SFFL has provided HHF with $300,000 in support of the Teacher Award and their Latino education programs.

Today, SFFL and HHF will present Mr. Viveros with the National Staples Foundation and Hispanic Heritage Teacher Award during a special ceremony at Bongos Cuban Cafe in Miami, FL. In recognition for this accomplishment, Mr. Viveros will receive a ceremonial plaque and $1,000 Staples gift card in addition to the $500 Staples gift card already received at the Los Angeles regional event.

Mr. Viveros, a Spanish Language teacher at Maywood Academy, was nominated by Isabeth Mendoza, a Journalism Regional Hispanic Heritage Youth Award recipient. Mr. Viveros founded the College Peer Counseling program at Maywood Academy, which pairs high school juniors and seniors with freshman and sophomores to teach them about the college application process. As the only college counselor at his school, Mr. Viveros plays a vital role in preparing students for the next phase of their life after high school by providing them with information and guidance to help them advance their education.

“Through continued support from Staples Foundation for Learning, the Hispanic Heritage Foundation is able to honor those influential educators who inspire youth within the Latino community,” said Jose Antonio Tijerino, president and chief executive officer of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation.