CAT Recognized for Hispanic Heritage Month

, Olga Mello and Maritza Rodriguez accepted a Hispanic Heritage Month proclamation for their work with (CAT) from the Mountain View City Council Tuesday.

The grassroots organization founded nine years ago at has aimed to educate parents about how to best help their kids succeed in school.

"This work we've been doing for many years," said Delgado, co-president of CAT, to the nearly 25 parents who attended the Oct. 11 session in celebration. "It's nice that in the community there's a group of Hispanics that are standing out."

An emotional Mello, CAT's other co-president, expressed that this was recognition for all of them.

"The triumph belongs to all of us," she said. "And for the kids, let this be something that motivates you."

Many CAT parents have been members for all nine years as several of their kids attended Castro during different years, which has given them many years to develop leadership skills. Now, the parents have , but they've also become role model for their children.

"Our kids need to realize that things will not be done unless we do it ourselves," Mello added. "They should never be ashamed of their roots and in the same token, they should embrace the country that took us in and has given us an opportunity."