By Cheryl Chavez-Ruybal
Aaron A. Abeyta will deliver his profound and moving letter to the young men of the Antonito High School football team who played under his tutelage and guidance during his time as their football coach. The message in Abeyta’s letter goes far beyond plays and strategies for winning on the football field. Rather, he eloquently illustrates the battles fought and the obstacle overcome by a group of young men long before they donned the uniforms and stepped out on the football field. The words are heartfelt and moving beyond description. The desire to uplift a community is genuine and will touch the heart of every listener.
Abeyta, an Adams State University professor of English, grew up in Antonito, Colorado. He has authored, "As Orion Falls," "Rise, Do Not Be Afraid," "Colcha," "Letters from the Headwaters," and "TzimTzum" (an anthology of Abeyta’s poetry). He is a recipient of a Colorado Council on the Arts fellowship for poetry. Abeyta also received an American Book Award and a Colorado Book Award for his writing of "Colcha." He currently resides in Antonito, Colorado with his wife and daughter and he continues to be a positive influence within his community and the San Luis Valley.
Adams State will host this first offering of the Spring 2016 Lifeways of the San Luis Valley Lecture series from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Thursday, March 31, in McDaniel Hall, room 101. An audience question and answer session will take place in the last fifteen minutes of the presentation. This lecture is free and open to the public; as well as, all ASU students, faculty, and staff. Parking is located east of McDaniel Hall. Adams State parking lots do not require permits after 5 p.m. The Spring 2016 Lifeways of the San Luis Valley lecture series is sponsored by the Community for Inclusive Excellence, Leadership & Opportunity (CIELO) at ASU. We are thankful to CIELO for their support and generosity
Please join us for what promises to be a compelling look into the heart of a community and that of its youth, in the poignant words of a poet.
