Senator Johnson Honors Emmanuel Salazar Of West Islip

State Senator Owen H. Johnson (4th Senate District, Babylon), Chairman of the Finance Committee, recently presented Emmanuel Salazar of West Islip with the 2006 New York State Senate Hispanic Heritage Award during National Hispanic Heritage Month which is celebrated from September 15 to October 15 each year. Hispanic Heritage Month gives us time to take pause and recognize the many contributions of Hispanic Americans to our county and our communities.

Still a student at the Udall Road Middle School, Emmanuel has already distinguished himself as an active volunteer. Emmanuel is a volunteer at Youth Enrichment Services (YES) and has participated in their After School Days Program. Dedicated to helping others in need, Emmanuel spends many hours of his free time doing yard clean ups for senior citizens and disabled people in the community without accepting any compensation. Additionally, Emmanuel has participated in many walks and fundraisers to benefit charitable causes within the community, including the March of Dimes Walk America, the Annual Town of Islip Services to the Disabled Halloween Party "Fright Night," and the Breast Cancer Fundraiser "Rock the Pink."

"Emmanuel is not only a role model for other youth, but for all members of the community," said Senator Johnson. "I am pleased to recognize the tremendous contributions this young man has made as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month."