Norma Pereira and Wilfredo Morel
POUGHKEEPSIE – Two Putnam County residents were among those honored Saturday at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie by the Esperanza Hispanic Heritage Committee for “breaking barriers within the Latino community through their dedication and commitment.”
More than 100 people were on hand for the event that recognized Norma Pereira of Carmel and Wilfredo Morel of Lake Peekskill along with others residing in Dutchess, Ulster and Columbia counties.
Morel was lauded for his work as a health professional at Hudson River Health Care in addition to his artistic skills resulting in the establishment of after school programs for area young people.
Morel is married to Melissa O’Leary, deputy director of the Putnam Community Action Program (CAP) headquartered in Brewster.
Pereira was described as a “compassionate advocate and versatile communicator” who was recently appointed to the Brewster Emergency Shelter Board of Directors. She also co-founded Putnam’s Community Connection Program which serves immigrant families relocating to Putnam’s six towns.
Pereira explained her credo during the award ceremony. “Putnam County, New York State and our nation must implement an inclusive passageway for immigrants because justice must be served.”
Norma Vizcarrondo, president of the committee, thanked those attending for “not only honoring our leaders but to strengthen our communities as well. It is people like the honorees who empower our children because today’s youth are our next generation of world changers. We must treat each other like human beings regardless of the political climate America currently finds itself in.”
