Six high school students from Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) are among seven students from the Washington, D.C. region to receive 2001 Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards.

The youth awards are given by the Hispanic Heritage Awards Foundation to honor the outstanding academic, artistic, community service and athletic accomplishments of students in twelve major metropolitan regions throughout the United States.

Award winners receive a $2000 educational grant, a personal computer, and the opportunity to select a community service organization that will receive a $1000 contribution in the award winner's name.

Following a ceremony for local winners on March 27, Superintendent Jerry D. Weast said, "I was truly inspired by the incredible success these young people have achieved. Their personal and academic achievements should serve as a model for all young men and women."

The six award winners from MCPS, their high schools, and their award categories are:

Cristina Bernardo, James Hubert Blake High School, academic excellence

Jerome Bourgeois, John F. Kennedy High School, mathematics

Jessica Brioso, John F. Kennedy High School, science and technology

Rose Eisenbeiss, Montgomery Blair High School, sports

Jonathan Hurtarte, Thomas S. Wootton High School, the arts

Pedro Jarquin, Springbrook High School, literature and journalism