The Cafecito Caliente Awards will recognize Alfonso Salais Jr as the 2024 Heart of the City recipient. Alfonso Salais Jr. Mention his name in this city and you will get smiles or stories of how he is everyone’s favorite teacher. Walk into his classrooms at the very beginning in 1994 on Day 1, and you witnessed engaged students, inspired classrooms, and students who were inspired to do more than just pass a class.
All of this wouldn’t be possible without the support of sponsors like Lake Trust Credit Union whom Cafecito has built a great relationship with many of their staff. Thank you for your Diamante Sponsorship.
The Lansing Lugnuts hosted the Inaugural Cafecito Awards in March 2023 and despite the venue change to accommodate the growing Awards program, the Lugnuts continue to be a Platinum Sponsor.
We also want to give thanks to Consumers Credit Union for their Gold Sponsorship, and we also have enjoyed our building our relationship with you. This program really doesn’t happen without your support.
Among many accomplishments, Alfonso collaborated to help start the first Mariachi band in the State of Michigan. He also was awarded the prestigious National Educator Award presented by the Milken Family Foundation. He also helped found Central Michigan University’s first Latino Greek Organization.
The amount of lives he has impacted by his success driven teaching philosophies is phenomenal as many of his students have gone on to further their education and/or made an impact in their community. He continues to play to inspire in the role of mentor to many around the State.
The Heart of the City Award is given in recognition of those who have made a significant contribution to the Mid-Michigan area through inspiration, spirit, and excellent leadership. They’re dreamers, they’re visionaries, developers, creators, leaders, and partners. The bottom line is they are the heart and soul of this community and represent the Hispanic Latino Community at its best. For the year of 2024, that person is Alfonso Salais Jr.
Tickets: http://Purchase tickets here: 2024 Cafecito Awards & Christmas Symposium Tickets – Cafecito Caliente
Sponsorships: Please contact Sein Paul Benavides at seinpaul65@gmail.com
