10 Jun Virgil Valdez Receives Guardian Angel Award
The Gwen Cherry Park Foundation recognized Virgil Valdez with the “Guardian Angel Award” for his unfaltering support of the NFL YET Center. Jerry Sawyer, member of the Board of Directors of the Gwen Cherry Park Foundation, introduced Mr. Valdez and spoke of his longtime commitment to the center. He stated that when Mr. Valdez’ mother passed, he urged friends to make donations to the Foundation in lieu of flowers, due to his ongoing commitment to the center’s programs. Elaine Black and Erica Wright, also members of the Board of Directors of the Gwen Cherry Park Foundation, also assisted with the presentation.
Mr. Valdez is a native of Miami, and graduated from Florida A&M University in 1962. He was an elementary school teacher for many years. In 1982, Mr. Valdez was recognized as Teacher of the Year at James H. Bright Elementary School. After 38 years of educating local youth, Mr. Valdez retired in 2004.
In 1970, he began a 20-year career as a referee for high school basketball and football. He is the recipient of Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) award certificates in football and basketball. Mr. Valdez has been a referee for the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), and is currently employed by the National Basketball Association (NBA.) While working as a referee for the ACC, he officiated at numerous bowl games, including the Rose Bowl.
Mr. Valdez told the audience that he had spent the first ten years of his life in the Liberty City area. He gave words of encouragement to the youth in attendance, urging them to study hard.
Written by Darlene Gay