The Ritchie Valens Service Award for Mentorship Excellence

Ritchie Valens' family at his posthumous                 induction into the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame

If you've seen the movie la Bamba, you know the extraordinary Ritchie Valens story.

for more on the Ritchie Valens story go to www.ritchievalens.com

With hits like "Oh Donna", "Come on Let's Go", and "La Bamba", at the age of 17 Ritchie Valens was the youngest rock 'n roll star in history. He was also the first Latino to ever have a hit record in the United States.

But he did not do it alone. He had a mentor.

His mentor believed in him. Ritchie Valens success should be attributed not only to his own innate talent, but also to the participation and support of his mentor, Bob Keane.

Each year, together with Ritchie Valens Family, we recognize extraordinary adults in our community who selflessly contribute to our young people through mentorship.

If you know of an extraordinary mentor you'd like to nominate, please cast your vote here.