Local Latino teens honored at Fenway

BOSTON (WWLP) - A very happy and proud group of Hispanic teens from western Massachusetts had a memorable day at Fenway Park on Wednesday.

One by one, 15 western Massachusetts Hispanic teenagers walked up to have their photos taken with Red Sox Slugger David Ortiz on the playing field.

It was Latino Youth Recognition Day at Fenway Park. These teens were being honored for doing well in school and showing promise as future leaders.

"Academic achievement is key. Education is the key to success and we're looking forward to future leaders," Carlos Gonzalez of the Springfield Latino Chamber of Commerce said.

One of the honored teens was Keila Roman, a 7th grader at Holyoke Community Charter School. She was scheduled to sing the national anthem before the game, but she will have to wait three weeks.

"I was supposed to sing today, but I guess somebody got double-booked. Something was confused, so now on July 6 I'm going be singing the national anthem here,” she said.

Keila's mother, Maria Fernandez Roman, was beaming: "Words can't describe my happiness right now. And my family is here as well. We're very happy and very proud. She deserves it."

One of the biggest surprises of the night, Marine Corps Combat Veteran and owner of North End Oil, Julio Feliciano was named the Latino Chamber of Commerce 2009 Unsung Hero.

He threw out the first pitch before the Red Sox game with the Florida Marlins.

"I never thought I'd be here at Fenway Park throwing the first pitch. I found out last night around 10:30. They said 'you're going to throw out the first pitch.' I said 'really? You’re messing with me?' And they said 'No, you are!’,” Feliciano said.

The 15 honored students were chosen by The Latino Chamber of Commerce, El Mundo Newspaper, and Stop & Shop.

The Red Sox beat the Marlin 6 to 1 on Wednesday night.