Gabriel Martinez has been selected to receive the 2020 Rotary Vocational Award. Courtesy photo

ROTARY NEWS

The Rotary Club of Los Alamos is pleased to announce that Gabriel Martinez has been selected as the recipient of its 2020 Vocational Award. The honor carries an award of $2000 and is given to high school seniors in recognition of their intentions to pursue a vocational career after graduation. Traditionally this award is presented during the Los Alamos High School Convocation at the end of May. We regret that public health precautions prevent us for applauding these graduating seniors in person! 

Martinez has shown active interest in agriculture, raising animals for 4-H and serving on the organization’s board in multiple positions. Through 4-H, he has also assisted Blue Star Mothers in preparing packages for soldiers overseas, has laid wreaths on veterans’ graves in the Santa Fe National Cemetery, and has delivered blankets to the state’s Children, Youth and Families Department. Martinez has also made ornaments for patients at Presbyterian Española Hospital and has undertaken repair work and yard work for the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Española. He has won Best of Show for his woodworking projects at the Rio Arriba County Fair, and has several first-place ribbons from 4-H projects he has entered at the New Mexico State Fair. In addition, Martinez is a member of the New Mexico High School Rodeo Association where he competes in bull- riding and is currently the bull-riding student instructor. 

Martinez displays an aptitude for welding and auto mechanics. He has been an auto shop student intern and an employee of Rich Welding and Fabrication for almost a year. 

The Rotary Club of Los Alamos congratulates Martinez for his aspirations to pursue studies in agriculture and welding. 

Martinez is the son of Amy and Lloyd Martinez.