| A graduate of LaSalle – Peru Township High School, Melissa Elvira Mata is the recipient of the 2005 National Hispanic Heritage Youth Award for Community Service, sponsored by Dr Pepper. Melissa was an active member in eight high school clubs. “Each and every club has given me unforgettable experiences throughout my high school years,” Melissa says.
Achieving a 4.675 grade point average and ranking 5th in her graduating class of 251 students was no easy task, but when community service responsibilities with seven different organizations are incorporated, one has an even higher level of admiration for Melissa. In addition to maintaining her impressive GPA throughout high school, Melissa was involved with HIV/AIDS Peer Education, Peer Jury, the American Red Cross, Veteran’s Home, Kid’s Place, LaSalle / Peru Public Schools and Special Olympics. Collectively, these experiences gave Melissa a level of sympathy and appreciation for the difficulties and challenges that many people face. She says being able to balance all of her varied activities is one of her greatest successes.
Melissa’s most significant role model is her mother, who has given her the confidence to excel and strive for the best. She says her mother works hard not only at her job, but also at home with the family.
Melissa will attend Illinois Valley Community College this fall, then transfer to the University of Illinois – Champaign / Urbana and plans to double major in Business and Spanish. With one of her main goals being to make a difference in her community, Melissa, who is Mexican-American adds, “I am very proud of my Hispanic heritage and I feel fortunate to be bilingual in Spanish and English, so I can assist the Hispanic community to communicate with the rest of society.” |
