East Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to honor 3

• Mariachi Viva wins the Hispanic Spirit Award for teaching children about the traditional music
• Irene Frklich%2C who began teaching in Mesa in 1970%2C is Educator of the Year
• Ben Barcon%2C who heads the ADM Group%2C will receive Business Leader of the Year Award
• The Chamber%27s iAdelante y %C9xito Business Leadership and Scholarship Awards Dinner is Sept. 25

The East Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the achievements of Hispanics during Hispanic Heritage Month at its inaugural Adelante y Éxito Business Leadership and Scholarship Awards Dinner on Thursday, Sept. 25, at the Hilton Phoenix/Mesa.

Adelante y Éxito is a cultural and educational initiative in support of the chamber's STEM Scholarship program that promotes the importance of a postsecondary education with a focus on careers in science, technology, engineering, medicine and mathematics.

At the dinner, the non-profit Mariachi Viva will receive the Hispanic Spirit Award for dedication to youth.

Irene Frklich, a longtime educator in Mesa, will receive the Educator of the Year Award.

Ben Barcon, founder and president of the ADM Group, will be honored with the Business Leader of the Year Award for his support of numerous community endeavors.

The evening will conclude with the presentation of scholarships to deserving Hispanic youths who are interested in pursuing a college education with a STEM focus.

The chamber believes it is important to reinforce the cultural richness of the Hispanic community by acknowledging those who are committed to its advancement by making it possible for Hispanic youths to succeed as students, adults and parents.

To learn more about the Adelante y Éxito Scholarship Awards, contact Frankie Jo Rios, director of special events and programs, at 480-223-0157 or e-mail frankiejorios@evhcc.org. Learn more about the East Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at www.evhcc.org.

Submitted by Jesus Hernandez, director of development at the East Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, which promotes the economic growth and empowerment of all business enterprises in the East Valley.

Award winners

The East Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will honor these people or groups at its inaugural Adelante y Éxito Business Leadership and Scholarship Awards Dinner on Thursday, Sept. 25.

Mariachi Viva, Hispanic Spirit Award

The non-profit organization has been preserving the musical and cultural heritage of the mariachi while promoting community, responsibility and educational advancement since 1997. The group has helped many students from fourth grade through high school learn how to play and sing classic mariachi songs.

Mariachi is the sum of a cultural revolution expressed through a group of musicians dressed in clothing that represents the cultural, spiritual and traditions of Mexico.

The mariachi originated in the 19th century in Jalisco, Mexico. Popular legend says it began in the town of Cocula.

The primary music played during this time was called son, which is a blend of folk traditions from Spain, Mexico, and Africa. In Jalisco, the most noteworthy son is "La Negra."The most widely known son is "La Bamba."

Irene Frklish, Educator of the Year Award

Frklish is the director of curriculum and instruction for the Mesa Public Schools.

She has made a difference in the lives of countless students, parents and professional peers.

Born and raised in Nogales, Frklish was inspired by her grandmother to become a teacher. She graduated with honors from Nogales High School and continued her education at Arizona State University, becoming a first-generation college graduate. She has a bachelor's degree in elementary education and Spanish and a master's in curriculum and instruction. She also received her administrative certification from ASU.

She became a first-grade teacher in the Mesa district in 1970. She then became a resource teacher for students learning English, the director of English-language acquisition and the director of curriculum and instruction.

Frklish has served on many community boards and received education honors. She has been married to her high-school sweetheart, Walter Frklich, for 42 years.

Ben Barcon, Business Leader of the Year Award

Barcon, founder and chief executive of the ADM Group, is honored for innovative vision and passion with a purpose as he has helped improve the quality of life and the schools our children attend.

The ADM Group is a 21-year-old architectural and interior design firm in Tempe, specializing in commercial design.

The Arizona native was born in Miami and graduated from ASU with a bachelor's degree in construction management. He has spent more than 40 years in the design and construction industry. For the past 20 years, he has worked with school districts to raise funds to help pass local override and capital bond requests.

Barcon's career began with Arizona Public Service Co., where he was employed for 25 years.

He has served on many community and statewide boards.