Hispanic Heritage Foundation and Staples Foundation for Learning Announce Continued Collaboration and Recognition of Teachers

The Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF), a national non-profit organization that identifies, inspires, promotes and prepares Latino leaders in the community, classroom and workforce, today announced the renewal of a $100,000 grant from Staples Foundation for Learning (SFFL), a private foundation created by Staples, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPLS). This year, SFFL’s support will fund the second annual Hispanic Heritage Teacher Award, an award that acknowledges influential teachers across the country for making a positive impact on the lives of Latino youth and inspiring students to reach their full potential even in the face of great challenges. Since 2006, SFFL has provided HHF with $200,000 in support of their Latino education programs.

Throughout the spring, teachers from 12 regions (San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, San Diego, Los Angeles, San Jose, Phoenix, Chicago, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC) were honored with a plaque and a $500 Staples gift card to help purchase much-needed supplies for their classrooms. Today, SFFL and HHF will present Sylvia Garza from the Houston region the 2008 National Hispanic Heritage Teacher Award recipient. Mrs. Garza will receive the award during a special ceremony at the Sprint Corporate Headquarters in Overland Park, Kansas along with the National Hispanic Heritage Youth Awardees and CSI Miami Star Adam Rodriguez.

All teachers were nominated by Regional Hispanic Heritage Youth Award recipients. Each recipient submitted an essay about a teacher who has made a lasting impact on his or her life. The teacher finalists were selected for their outstanding contributions to student achievement in the classroom and their exceptional ability to encourage students to believe in themselves and give back to their communities.

Sylvia Garza, a Spanish teacher at Texas City High School, was nominated by Jeremy Guardiola, an Academic Excellence Houston Regional Hispanic Heritage Youth Award recipient. Mrs. Garza inspires her students by creating a comfortable classroom atmosphere where they can express themselves and learn. She is also the advisor of the school’s Spanish National Honor Society and encourages students to volunteer with special education students and the Ronald McDonald House in Galveston, TX.

“With continued support from Staples Foundation for Learning, the Hispanic Heritage Teacher Award program continues to grow and create role models for all educators,” said Jose Antonio Tijerino, president and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation. “Through this important partnership, we can shine an even brighter spotlight on the vital role teacher’s play in moving our community forward through education and community service.”

“Staples Foundation for Learning is committed to empowering Latino youth with educational experiences needed for positive academic and social development,” said Ron Sargent, president of Staples Foundation for Learning and chairman and chief executive officer of Staples, Inc. “The Hispanic Heritage Teacher Award enables us to honor these unsung heroes who act as positive role models by educating and inspiring Latino youth across the country.”

SFFL began its partnership with Hispanic Heritage Foundation in 2006 to help fund educational and cultural programs that identify, promote and prepare Latino leaders. The 2007 creation and continued success of the Hispanic Heritage Teacher Awards marks SFFL’s dedication to HHF and their efforts to prepare Latino youth to make an impact in society.

The 2008 Hispanic Heritage Regional Teacher Awardees were:

Dallas – Michael Juhas, Jesuit College Preparatory, Dallas, TX

Philadelphia – Michael Mast, Danville Senior High School, Danville, PA

New York – Dr. Joanne Figueiredo, Smithtown High School West, Smithtown, NY

Washington, DC – Joshua Dorsey, Southern High School, Harwood, MD

Chicago – Tanya Cabrera, Benito Juarez Community Academy, Chicago, IL

No. California – Jesse Kurtz-Nicholl, Richmond High School, Richmond, CA

Miami – Bernardo Osorio, Coral Reef High School, Miami, FL

San Antonio – Darlene Karthauser, Tivy High School, Kerrville, TX

Houston – Sylvia Garza, Texas City High School, Texas City, TX

Phoenix – Juan Aldo Nunez, Trevor G. Browne High School of Phoenix, AZ

San Diego – Hillary Park, Grossmont High School, El Cacjon, CA

Los Angeles – William Brown, Mira Costa High School, Manhattan Beach, CA

About Hispanic Heritage Foundation

The Hispanic Heritage Foundation, a 501c3 not-for-profit organization, identifies, prepares, and positions Latino leaders in the community, classroom and workforce through national cultural, educational, and career development programs. For more information about the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, please visit www.HispanicHeritage.org. “*

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