Awards
ENSEMBLE ESPAÑOL AMBASSADOR AWARD
Jorge Perez was honored on June 18, 2009, with the Ensemble Español Ambassador Award at the American Spanish Dance Festival Duende Flamenco Music Concert. The award was presented to him by Dame Libby Komaiko, founder & Artist director of the Ensemble Español. He is the second recipient of this newly established award honoring him for his 25 years of extraordinary contributions to the company as First Dancer, Administrator, Educator and Choreographer. The award was presented in front of a sold out concert audience at Northeastern Illinois Universities Steinberg Fine Arts Recital Hall. In 2007 this award was presented to Irma Suarez Ruiz, Associate Artistic Director, First Dancer, Educator, Choreographer and Instructor of Dance at Northeastern Illinois University for her 29 years of service to the company and center.
Jorge Perez receives the Ensemble Español Ambassador Award from Dame Libby Komaiko at Northeastern Illinois University Steinberg Fine Arts Recital Hall.
The Ambassador Award was presented to Irma Suarez Ruiz in 2007.
DANCER ISRAEL SANCHEZ HONORED
Ensemble Español senior dancer Israel Sanchez, who in 2004 received a double lung transplant, has had the honor of receiving multiple awards of late for his work in bringing awareness to organ transplants. In July 2009, he traveled to Washington D.C. for the National Donor Recognition Ceremony where he spoke about his experience and then showcased Spanish dance with former Ensemble dancer, Patricia Bueno.
In October 27, Israel received a certificate of appreciation for being a volunteer with the Gift of Hope Network, an organization that coordinates donations and supports families of donors in Illinois and Indiana. Israel was honored for his work with the Latino Outreach Program. He also filmed an information ad with Univision geared to the city’s Latino population about becoming a donor.
Israel Sanchez with former Ensemble Principal Dancer Patricia Bueno at the National Donor Recognition Ceremony
in Washington D.C.
OUTSTANDING PARTNERSHIP AWARD
The Ensemble Español and Joyce Kilmer School were selected as one of the recipients of the 2008 Outstanding Partnership Award. The Ensemble and Kilmer Elementary were honored at a luncheon on Thursday, October 30th. For the past 15 years, Ensemble dancers have performed at Kilmer School, awarded scholarships for students to study dance with the Ensemble Español Youth Company and given free after-school dance classes and free tickets to students, parents and staff for Ensemble Español performances. NEIU President Sharon Hahs also participated in the “Principal for a Day” program by serving as principal of William Howard Taft High School.
Miguel Trujillo, Irma Ruiz, President, Sharon Hahs, Jorge Perez, and Dame Libby Komaiko receive the award from Mayor Daley and Robert Graham.
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