Our Highest Honors - CHCI

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Each year CHCI presents its Highest Honors at its Annual Awards Gala in Washington, D.C. during Hispanic Heritage Month. The Medallion of Excellence awards are presented to exemplary individuals who are role models and outstanding civic citizens for the Latino community, Latino youth in particular.

The individuals must have at least a 15-year record of contributions and accomplishments in their field with solid leadership and community involvement. The qualifying factor is philanthropic and civic engagement through the initiation or support of programs that benefit the Hispanic community as a whole.

Medallion of Excellence Categories:

The Chair’s Medallion Award(s) is presented each year to an individual who has dedicated his or her public or private career to improving the lives of Hispanic Americans. The honoree is chosen wholly at the Chair’s discretion.

The Medallion of Excellence for a Distinguished Alumnus recognizes a CHCI alumnus who has made an outstanding contribution to the Latino Community and who has thereby achieved distinction. This prestigious annual award is meant to highlight the impact of CHCI’s programs and the prominence of its alumni. Those considered are judged on the full range of their professional accomplishments. Alumni must have graduated from the Fellowship program at least 20 years or the Internship program 15 years from the date of nomination.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1662470461079{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”]

2022

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Celia Cruz

 Medallion of Excellence in the Arts, Entertainment, Media, Music and Sports Award (posthumously)

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Secretary Xavier Becerra

American Dream Medallion in Education, Science, Medicine or Civil Rights Award Recipient

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Kenia Seoane López

The Medallion of Excellence for a Distinguished Alumnus

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Marvin B. Figueroa

CHCI Young Alumnus Award

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2021

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America Ferrera

 Medallion of Excellence in the Arts, Entertainment, Media, Music or Sports Award

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Sylvia Mendez

American Dream Medallion in Education, Science, Medicine or Civil Rights Award Recipient

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Isabella Casillas Guzman

The Medallion of Excellence for a Distinguished Alumnus

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Claudia Flores

CHCI Young Alumnus Award

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2020

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José Andrés

American Dream Medallion Of Excellence In Education, Science, Medicine, Or Civil Rights Recipient

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Isabel Allende

Medallion For Excellence In The Arts, Entertainment, Media, Music, And Sports

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Mildred Otero

The Medallion of Excellence for a Distinguished Alumnus

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Andrés Cano

CHCI Young Alumnus Award

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Hon. Julián Castro
CHCI Chair’s Award

CHCI Chair’s Award

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Rep. José E. Serrano (NY-15)

CHCI Legacy Award

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2019

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Dr. Ellen Ochoa

American Dream Medallion Of Excellence In Education, Science, Medicine, Or Civil Rights Recipient

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Robert Rodriguez

Medallion For Excellence In The Arts, Entertainment, Media, Music, And Sports

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Alejandra Y. Castillo

The Medallion of Excellence for a Distinguished Alumnus

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Alma N. Acosta

CHCI Young Alumnus Award

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2018

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Jorge Ramos

Medallion of Excellence in the Arts, Entertainment, Media, Music or Sports

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Anna Michele Bobadilla

American Dream Medallion of Excellence in Education, Science, Medicine or Civil Rights

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Juan Otero

The Medallion of Excellence for a Distinguished Alumnus

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Bertha Guerrero

Inaugural CHCI Young Alumnus Award

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Rep. Luis V. Gutierrez

CHCI Legacy Award

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Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

CHCI Legacy Award

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2017

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Cástulo de la Rocha

Medallion of Excellence in Education, Science, Medicine or Civil Rights

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Lin-Manuel Miranda

Medallion of Excellence in The Arts, Entertainment, Music or Sports

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Susan I. Santana

The Medallion of Excellence for a Distinguished Alumnus

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Sandra Cisneros

CHCI Chair’s Award

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Rudy M. Beserra

CHCI Pioneer Award

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2016

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Cheech Marin

Medallion of Excellence in the Arts, Entertainment, Music or Sports

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Anna Maria Chávez

American Dream Medallion of Excellence in Education, Science, Medicine or Civil Rights

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Arnoldo Avalos

The Medallion of Excellence for a Distinguished Alumnus

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2015

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Anthony Muñoz

Medallion of Excellence in the Arts, Entertainment, Music or Sports

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Sonia Gutierrez

American Dream Medallion of Excellence in Education, Science, Medicine or Civil Rights

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Chef José Andrés

Chair’s Medallion Award

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Alejandra Ceja

The Medallion of Excellence for a Distinguished Alumnus

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2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

The Medallions of Excellence were not conferred due to the cancellation of the gala in the wake of September 11.

2000

Dedicated to the entire Hispanic community for their contributions to the United States.

1999

1998

The Medallions of Excellence Awards were not conferred due to the retirements of the Hon. Henry B. Gonzalez and Hon. Esteban Torres.

1997

Tribute for the Hon. Frank Tejeda in memoriam.

1996

The Medallions of Excellence Awards were not conferred due to the retirement of CHCI founding member, the Hon. E. “Kika” de la Garza.

1995

1994

1993

1992

The Role Model Award was not conferred due to the retirement of CHCI founding member, the Hon. Edward R. Roybal.

1991

1990

1989

1988

1987

1986

1985

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