How the Buffalo Bills honored community leaders to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations

The Buffalo Bills and the National Football League honored two student athletes from Western New York during Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders to celebrate the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Joseph Garcia and Adrianna Gauna, both high school seniors from Rochester, received the 2023 NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership award during a pre-game ceremony. The two students also received four tickets and a custom game day ball presented by Bills Senior Vice President Josh Dziurlikowski and Cas D. Rodriguez, President & Founder of the Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY.

The award recognizes outstanding Hispanic and Latino youth football players for their athletic and academic excellence. The Bills partnered with the Hispanic Heritage Council of Western New York to select and distribute the awards this year.

Garcia is a running back and linebacker for the Gates Chili High School football team. He is a leader by example and is involved in a wide range of activities from the service club, National Honor Society, the school musical, the marching band, chorus and jazz band in addition to his commitments on the field for football and lacrosse. He is also a coach for the youth football team.

After graduation, Garcia intends to major in cybersecurity or computer science while continuing to play football in college. Garcia said that his Latino heritage is part of his identity, and something to be passed down through generations to come.

“For many Nicaraguans, our Latino heritage is a source of pride and a connection to our rich culture and history,” Garcia said. “It means celebrating traditions like music, dance and delicious food. It also reminds us of the importance of family and community bonds.”

Football holds a special place in Garcia’s heart, as it has allowed him to create bonds with his friends and family through playing and watching the game.