Politics & Government
GALLERY: Mayor and Council Hand Out Awards
Several local groups and individuals recognized.
The Gaithersburg Mayor and Council recognized several residents, and designated April as the month to recognize several different causes and groups at its weekly meeting Monday.
Mayor Sidney Katz presented a certificate of recognition to Alfredo Colina Iturralde, recipient of the 2011 Carson Scholar Award. Founded by neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson, who is famous for being the first surgeon to successfully separate twins joined at the head, the award is a $1,000 college scholarship given to students who demonstrates a commitment not only to academic excellence, but to community service as well.
A sophomore at Gaithersburg High School, Iturralde has a 3.9 GPA, serves as an assistant English teacher for ESOL parents and volunteers for the Montgomery County Public Library Summer Reading Program. It is the second straight year he has won the award. He will be honored at a banquet on Sunday along with other award recipients, with Carson delivering the keynote speech.
Find out what's happening in Gaithersburgwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Katz also handed out certificates of recognition to Gaithersburg sophomore Chelsea Harris, winner of the 4A state high jump, and the Gaithersburg girls basketball team, the 4A state champions.
April will be a busy month for the city as far as recognition goes. Katz issued proclamations dedicating April as Fair Housing Month, Arab American Heritage Month and Autism Awareness Month.
Find out what's happening in Gaithersburgwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Next Monday, April 11, marks the 43rd anniversary of President Lyndon B. Johnson's signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, more commonly known as the Fair Housing Act. An expansion of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the law prohibits discrimination in the sale or rental of housing based on race and religion. Since 1968, it has been further expanded to include gender and the disabled.
April 2 was World Autism Awareness Day, and the United States recognizes April as National Autism Awareness Month. As part of the "Light It Up Blue" campaign, the Gaithersburg council and staff are wearing blue puzzle piece pins, while blue flood lights shine on City Hall.
Finally, to celebrate Arab American Heritage Month, the city's Multicultural Affairs Committee will host an Arab American cultural festival on Sunday, April 17, complete with Middle Eastern food, music, dance and fashion.
