Guillermo Serna in his unique manner used the selection by the directors of the Mary Ciancio Memorial Distinguished Service Award Event to promote his most cherished agenda, children. Guillermo, one of seven finalists for the prestigious Mary Ciancio award was chosen to receive this award for a lifetime of efforts as a volunteer, not only in Adams County, but around the state bringing awareness to its many children.The Mary Ciancio Memorial Distinguished Service Award has been awarded for the past 30 years in honor of Ms. Ciancio; known as either Ms. Volunteer or the Mother of Mental Health in Adams County. Mary passed away in 1997; however her legacy lives on through the efforts of her family and the Community Reach Center where she served a pioneer in her efforts to address mental illness in Adams County.
The evening’s event was hosted by Mary Ciancio son also a well recognized name in Adams County, Attorney Gene Ciancio. Guests at the event included a wide range of Adams County elected officials from Commissioners Skip Fisher, Alice Nichol and Larry Pace, District Attorney Don Quick, State Rep. Lois Tochtrop, Sheriff Doug Darr and local city mayors and council members. The guest also included staff members from the Community Reach Center and the family and friends of Guillermo Serna.
Guillermo Serna was recognized for his efforts as a volunteer to advance the causes of children effected by the over representation of children of color in the social services and judicial system. Also included in his many efforts within Commerce City, Adams County and the State were his promotion of Boys and Girls clubs, his past service as a director in the Adams 14 Board of Education, where he was instrumental in establishing one of the Colorado’s first mariachi groups in a school district. He also serves as an advisor to the Commerce City Community Enterprise.
Guillermo received recognition as a community organizer and advisor to the Monaco Neighborhood Improvement Committee in their efforts to revitalize this portion of unincorporated Adams County. The final results was the upgrading of streets, gutters, sidewalks and street lighting making it a safer place for children to go to and from their neighborhood schools. Here again Guillermo’s focus was on the needs of children and their safety.
In his remarks to the roomful of guest present at the Stonebrook Manor Event Center, Guillermo quoted the word of President John F. Kennedy, as a tribute to the recent passing of Senator Ted Kennedy. “Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country”. Guillermo Serna has put life to these words by his countless years of volunteer work for children and parents of Adams County and Commerce City.
A truly deserved award to someone who cares so deeply about Commerce City- and the children. Pioneer Park should have been named in his honor- it would not exist without his work and committment.
ReplyDeleteMr. Serna, thank you for what you have done for the children of Commerce City. As a parent I only wish we had a few more Guillermo Serna's to stand up for our kids. One of these days Commerce City will appreciate what you have done not only for Hispanic children but children of all races.
ReplyDeleteI want to thank Mr. Serna for all the years and time of dedicatiion to our community and the children. He has never given up, even in trying times. He was successful in bringing Boys and Girls club of America to Commerce City. He stays focussed on what his goal is, the people and uniting new and the core Commerce City. This is a well deserved award to a great gentleman.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all you do.