Hispanic Heritage Foundation announces recipients of the 27th National Youth Awards

March 18, 2026

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The national ceremony will take place on March 23 at the Aloft San Juan Hotel, Distrito T-Mobile, located at 250 Convention Blvd, San Juan, PR. 00907, from 4:30 – 6:30 pm.

 Please RSVP HERE.

Versión en español

San Juan, PR – The Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) today announced the recipients of the 27th Annual National Youth Awards. These outstanding high school seniors have been celebrated as Leaders of Today for their dedication to serving others, vision, and leadership, not only within their communities but also in the classroom.

“We are thrilled to celebrate these six remarkable students as recipients of the 27th Annual National Youth Awards. Each of them embodies the spirit of leadership, service, innovation, and vision that defines HHF’s mission. Their leadership is needed today, not just in the future. We can’t afford to wait,” said Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO of HHF. “We’re especially excited to celebrate their achievements and potential in Puerto Rico this year, a vibrant setting that reflects the energy and promise of this outstanding group.”

The National Youth Awardees include (Click HERE for their Bios.)

Community Service

Bruce Matos – Weston, CT – Weston High School

Engineering

Sofía Barrueco López – Laytonsville, MD – Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School

Entrepreneurship

Santiago Bryce – Southlake, TX – Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas

Green 

Hugo Córdova de Varona – San Juan, PR – Colegio San Ignacio

Journalism & Media

Mariana Prieto – Bellerose, NY – Benjamin N. Cardozo High School

Technology

 Jessica Schmilovich – Boca Raton, FL – Pine Crest School

With support from sponsors including The Coca‑Cola Company, Colgate‑Palmolive, Southwest Airlines, Taste Salud, the Transportation Institute, and Comcast NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises, these students were selected from a competitive pool of 35,000 applicants and 150 regional awardees nationwide, and celebrated in virtual ceremonies.

Other supporters of the Youth Awards include Capital Wire PR, Es Tiempo, Grupo 21, Intersect, Minecraft Education, and Teach for America.

About the Hispanic Heritage Foundation and the Youth Awards

The Hispanic Heritage Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing education, workforce development, societal impact, and leadership, with culture serving as the cornerstone of its mission. Through the 27-year-old Youth Awards, thousands of high school students from all 50 states, plus Puerto Rico and D.C., have been recognized for their achievements in the classroom and community, and their focus on a career path in all STEM areas, entrepreneurship, media, public service, and other categories. Visit www.HispanicHeritage.org.

Follow HHF on InstagramFacebookX, and TikTok.  Listen to the HHF podcast Fritanga on your favorite streaming service and HHF YouTube channel.

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Media Contact: [email protected]

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