—Radio Poder host presented 2022 Community Impact Award
Community service is instinctive for Henrico resident Oscar Contreras, a program host and marketing specialist for the Spanish-language station Radio Poder WBTK 1380 AM.
“What I do is just what you do; I don’t see any other way of being,” he said. “It feels good to be able to contribute to the community we are a part of.”
Contreras was presented the 2022 HCPS John Vithoulkas Community Impact Award by county government and Schools officials in a ceremony Tuesday, Oct 18 at J.R. Tucker High School.
Officials lauded the Guatemala native for his advocacy for Spanish-speaking residents in central Virginia.
Contreras “works tirelessly to ensure families and individuals are aware of — and have access to — school, housing and food resources,” said School Board Chair Marcie Shea. “Equally as important, he makes them feel welcome, heard and valued as part of the Henrico community. He is literally a source of information and voice of hope for so many people.”
The School Board created the Community Impact Award in 2021 to honor individuals who embody a spirit of community service and have had a profound impact on the Henrico community. The award is named in honor of County Manager John Vithoulkas, a graduate of J.R. Tucker.
“A great community needs many difference-makers — people who go above and beyond to leave a positive impact on their community,” Vithoulkas said. “This is where Henrico County is truly blessed. What [Contreras] has done for our community is truly remarkable.”
Nodding to his four children at the event Tuesday, Contreras noted that “what you do for others — not for yourself — is very important.”
“In the end, it’s the relationships that we build, in God’s name, that have eternal impact,” he said.
