New Mexico True Heroes for 2016 announced
Five honorees will be recognized at Gildan New Mexico Bowl
The 2016 New Mexico True Heroes — an ongoing program developed by the state Tourism Department and Gildan New Mexico Bowl — announced five residents on Tuesday who have devoted their lives to making the state a better place to live, work and raise a family.
They are:
Nicole Chavez-Lucero of
Albuquerque, for showing strength and courage in working to make New Mexico safer from violent criminals after the murder of her son, Jaydon.
Michelle and Clay Schroff of Albuquerque, whose Aspen Project helps connect orphaned and other at-risk children with organizations and resources that help love, care and protect more New Mexico kids.
Kenneth Riege of Gallup, an
Air Force veteran who raises money, hosts events and personally helps connect more veterans with services and care they need and deserve, such as helping those in need find assistance for post-traumatic stress disorder, or even driving fellow veterans to medical appointments around the state.
Dr. Kathleen Ramsay of
Española, who founded both the New Mexico Wildlife Center and the Land of Enchantment Wildlife Foundation and who works to help low-income families care for their pets.
“These five New Mexicans work to make our communities safer from criminals, help more children have a chance to reach for their dreams, serve our veterans, and care for and protect our animals and wildlife,” Gov. Susana Martinez said in a statement from a news conference Tuesday at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque.
The awardees were selected from dozens of nominations submitted from friends, family members, students and coworkers. A panel of community leaders determined the finalists.
The honorees will be recognized at the 2016 Gildan New Mexico Bowl both during the players’ luncheon on Dec. 16 and on the field during the game on Dec. 17. Each will also receive a $500 gift card from Advanced Presentation Systems in Albuquerque.
“There are countless great stories and great people in our state, and we are honored to be able to once again honor them at New Mexico’s premier sports event,” said Gildan New Mexico Bowl Executive Director Jeff Siembieda. “ESPN and the Gildan New Mexico Bowl say ‘thank you’ to these heroes who make our communities better places each and every day.”