AUSTIN — The Boys & Girls Club of America in San Diego, California, named State Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa as their State Alliance Champion by the Boys & Girls Club of America. Mary McRoberts, Executive Director of the Texas Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs, said this national award was thoroughly deserved.

"Senator Hinojosa is a true champion of Boys & Girls Clubs throughout the State of Texas. Because of him, thousands of kids will receive academic intervention services and will get back to grade level in reading and math. Many more will surpass grade level and graduate from high school because of Senator Hinojosa. We could not provide the academic services throughout the state without his support. He is a true champion of Boys & Girls Clubs," McRoberts said.

Laura Reagan-Porras, Chief Professional Officer of the Boys & Girls Club of McAllen, was in full agreement with McRoberts. "The board, staff, and kids are absolutely thrilled that Boys & Girls Club of America is honoring Senator Hinojosa our senator for what we have always known: he is a true champion of children and education," Reagan-Porras said.

"Senator Hinojosa coached basketball at our club before he became a Senator and he never forgot his roots or the far reaching impact a Boys & Girls Club mentor can have on the life of a child," Reagan-Porras continued.

The purpose of the State Alliance is to exclusively promote the social welfare of boys and girls as served by various Boys & Girls Clubs. The State Alliance Champion Award is given to a volunteer or a non-paid entity that is not currently serving on an Alliance Board; someone who goes above and beyond to further the position of the State Alliance, or someone who has helped to secure or maintain state funding or had another major impact.

Senator Hinojosa expressed his appreciation for the honor of this award. "I am honored to receive the award. It came as a big surprise. I have always supported the Boys and Girls Club. They do a lot of good for the community. They do a lot of good for our young kids," Senator Hinojosa said.

Award ceremonies will be held in Texas in the near future, both in Nueces County and in the Rio Grande Valley.

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