Do you know someone in the immigrant community who has gone above and beyond to help others? A student who is an immigrant or the child of immigrant parents, who juggles their studies, helping at home and a job and deserves an incentive to keep going? A veteran, who is an immigrant or the child of immigrants that was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for our country before becoming a citizen?
If so, nominate him or her to be the 2018 American Dream Person of the Year, Student of the Year or Veteran of the Year.
In 2014, in celebration of its 15th Anniversary, Tribuna Newspaper created the American Dream Awards Gala, an annual awards ceremony designed to recognize members of the community who share in the story of its publisher and founder, my mother, Celia Bacelar Palmares, who migrated to the United States from Brazil twenty years ago and faced many challenges along her journey to achieve her American Dream.
In 2016, the event’s growth over the years sparked the creation of The New American Dream Foundation, Inc. a 501(c)(3) organization, which highlights the cultural, social and economic contributions of all immigrants, while supporting the core American values of equal opportunity, progress and freedom in the areas of education, health and civic engagement.
To date, over $85,000 have been given in scholarships, awards and donations to the community through the event.
– American Dream Person of the Year Award – one person will be selected. Nominees must be 18 years or older who are immigrants living in the Fairfield County area, who faced many challenges along their journey to achieve their American Dream.
– American Dream Student of the Year Award – three people will be selected. Nominees must be 16 years or older who are immigrants or children of immigrants living in the Fairfield County area, who faced many challenges along their journey to achieve their American Dream.
– American Dream Veteran’s Award – one person will be selected. Nominees must be 17 years or older who are immigrants or children of immigrants living in the Fairfield County area, who have served in the military, made the commitment to defend our country even before becoming a U.S. citizen and faced many challenges along their journey to achieve their American Dream.
Ten finalists will receive two tickets to attend the 5th Annual American Dream Awards Gala on September 22, 2018. Five winners, revealed at the gala, will receive $2,000 and an American Dream Awards statue, and will have their names permanently displayed on a plaque in Danbury City Hall honoring Tribuna’s American Dream Awards.
In the past three years, over 400 nominations of individuals who migrated to our state from multiple countries – Brazil, Peru, Mexico, Guatemala, Ecuador, Portugal, China, Haiti, Bangladesh, Ukraine, Romania and India – have been submitted.
So, if you know someone who has inspired you with an American Dream story, or if you are an immigrant yourself who has overcome challenges to achieve your dreams and hope to inspire others in your community, nominate yourself or nominate someone for an American Dream Award.
Simply visit our website and follow the nomination form guidelines and instructions. Tell their story, tell your story and help us celebrate, support and inspire our community.
Nomination forms can only be completed and sent electronically. To nominate, visit www.tribunaamericandreamawards.com/nomination-form.
Previous nominees and award recipients, or family members of any person involved in the organization of the event do not qualify.
The nomination process ends on June 15, 2018. Ten finalists will be announced on August 31, 2018.