The Irwindale Chamber of Commerce and the City of Irwindale are pleased to announce Klaudia Gallardo as the Irwindale Young Citizen of the Year for 2015.

Photo Courtesy: City of Irwindale
Caleb and Christian Cardenas sitting with winner Klaudia Gallardo.

Staff Reports

Irwindale – The 2015 Young Citizen of the Year Competition was held at the Irwindale Senior Center on Wed., Aug. 5.  Irwindale Police Department Captain, Ty Henshaw, served as the event emcee to a packed room of local residents, family members of the contestants, and business representatives.

Three outstanding Irwindale youth competed by presenting an original essay answering a question about the three things they strive for in life, and responding to impromptu questions from the judges. Klaudia Gallardo, Caleb Cardenas and Christian Cardenas all impressed the judges with their poise, enthusiasm, thoughtfulness, and community involvement.

Marlene Carney, Irwindale Chamber CEO, said “We are so proud of these cool kids that are smart, gutsy, who care about the community and are willing to step out there and do what it takes to make a positive difference in their lives and the lives of others.   This continues to be one of my favorite chamber events and I applaud the participants.”

Irwindale Council members, Albert F. Ambriz, and  H. Manuel Ortiz, were in attendance, along with Irwindale Chamber of Commerce Board Chair, Dawn DeVroom (Arrow Automotive) and board members, Victor Benavides (City of Hope), and Phyllis Ferguson (California Custom Fruits and Flavors). The judges were Ferguson, Benavides, and Gabrielle Mejia of Foothill Transit.  Vocalist Loretta Corpis provided an uplifting musical interlude.

This event could not have been possible without the generous support of sponsors, committee members, judges, and attendees, and the Irwindale Chamber of Commerce and the City of Irwindale would like to thank the following individuals and companies:

Dinner Sponsors:  MillerCoors and Avolio’s Italian Restaurant

Speech Sponsors:  City of Hope, Foothill Transit, and United Rock Products.

Irwindale Young Citizen of the Year Committee: Eloise Beltran (Irwindale Senior Center); Marlene Carney (Irwindale Chamber of Commerce); April Kelcy (Earthquake Solutions); Veronica Orosco (Irwindale Chamber of Commerce); and Priscilla Zepeda (Irwindale Recreation Department). 

Irwindale Senior Center Staff, The Produce Place, Loretta Corpis, and Steve Castro of Eagle Photography.  Coach/Public Speaking Coach:  April Kelcy (Earthquake Solutions, Irwindale Toastmasters Club).

Thank you to the San Gabriel Valley Young Marines for their participation in honoring our nation.

Photo Courtesy: City of Irwindale