WASHINGTON, April 28, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) is proud to announce that its President & CEO, Javier Palomarez, was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Medallion by National 4-H Council, the largest youth organization in America. The accolade is bestowed upon an accomplished alumnus who embodies the life-changing impact of 4-H. Secretary Julian Castro introduced Palomarez and presented him with the Medallion at the sixth annual 4-H Legacy Awards on April 23, 2015 in Washington, D.C.
"As an alumnus of 4-H, I am a grateful beneficiary of this phenomenal institution. It taught me the dignity of a hard day's work, the importance of constantly setting and achieving goals, the inherent value in serving others, and the need to honor my responsibilities," said USHCC President & CEO Javier Palomarez. "4-H is dedicated to implementing world-wide change, at a time when it critically needed, and I am honored to be recognized by 4-H and its incredible network of supporters."
Javier Palomarez joined 4-H as a young boy in South Texas, inspired by his mother and school teachers. While a member of the program, Palomarez participated in agricultural projects and activities that supported the local community. Today, he claims the life skills learned in 4-H helped him overcome numerous challenges and develop a resilient character and self-motivation.
"Javier is the model of a confident, resilient 4-H'er who is prepared with the life skills to overcome personal obstacles, tackle community issues and go on to contribute through his career," says Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO, National 4-H Council. "His determination and persistence are examples of the life skills we grow in millions of youth," added Sirangelo. "Javier's story will inspire many 4-H'ers that, with hard work and caring adult mentors, they too can be successful."
Previous recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Medallion include Anne Burrell, celebrity chef, author and Food Network host; Jennifer Nettles, Grammy-Award winning singer and songwriter; and Nancy Grace, television host, legal analyst, and victims' rights activist. The annual 4-H Legacy Awards brings together hundreds of dignitaries, community leaders, philanthropists and entertainers to celebrate 4-H members and alum, recognize the impact of the program, and honor the achievements of young people across the country.
About the USHCC
Founded in 1979, the USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of our nation's entrepreneurs. The USHCC advocates on behalf of nearly 3.2 million Hispanic-owned businesses, that together contribute in excess of $486 billion to the American economy, each year. As the leading organization of its kind, the USHCC serves as an umbrella to more than 200 local chambers and business associations across the nation, and partners with more than 250 major corporations.
For more information, visit www.ushcc.com, follow us on Twitter @USHCC
About 4-H
4-H, the nation's largest youth development and empowerment organization, cultivates confident kids who tackle the issues that matter most in their communities right now. In the United States, 4-H programs empower six million young people through the 109 land-grant universities and Cooperative Extension in more than 3,000 local offices serving every county and parish in the country. Outside the United States, independent, country-led 4-H organizations empower one million young people in more than 50 countries. National 4-H Council is the private sector, non-profit partner of the Cooperative Extension System and 4-H National Headquarters located at the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Learn more about 4-H at www.4-H.org, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/4-H and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/4H.