Music on a Mission Foundation Launches Joe
Serna, Jr. Prize for Civic Excellence Award
Recipients of the $7,500 award are expected to further civic responsibility,
engagement and advancement of the disadvantaged in Sacramento
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 29, 2016
CONTACT: Doug Elmets
(916) 329-9180
Sacramento, CA – The Board of the Music on a Mission Foundation is proud to announce the first
annual Joe Serna, Jr. Prize for Civic Excellence Award. Selected recipient(s) will be members of the
community between the ages of 18-30 who exemplify a vision and dedication to public service similar to
that of Sacramento’s first Latino Mayor, Joe Serna, Jr.
Recipients of the Serna Prize for Civic Excellence Award are expected to be dedicated to further civic
responsibility, engagement and advancement of the disadvantaged in the City and/or County of
Sacramento. The value of the award is a cash payment of $7,500 in hopes of furthering the dreams and
vision of Joe Serna, Jr. and the work the awardee(s) describe in their application.
Joe Serna, Jr. worked tirelessly for the City of Sacramento, as the first Latino Mayor of Sacramento and
as the first Latino mayor of a major California city. Serna, Jr. taught and pursued equality, justice and
fairness in every action he took as an elected official and respected educator. As he dedicated his life to
civic duty and responsibility, he left a lasting impact not only in the City of Sacramento, but the entire
Latino community.
“Mayor Serna, Jr. left a profound impression on every person he interacted with,” said Tom Winn, cofounder of the Serna Prize for Civic Excellence. “This award is our way of honoring his legacy and
providing young adults with the tools they need to further the advancement of equality, justice, peace and
democracy that Mayor Serna cherished.”
Applications for the prize are to consist of a single essay, no longer than 1,000 words discussing the
influence of the life and teachings of Joe Serna, Jr. on the applicant and one letter of support. A
nominee can be self-nominated or nominated by another person or entity. All applications must be
submitted by October 1 to the Music on a Mission Foundation, 455 Capitol Mall, Suite 801,
Sacramento, 95814.
The Serna Prize may be awarded in any subject matter area, including but not limited to: equality,
justice, peace and democracy that can be expressed through art, sports, music, teaching or an
organization.