New London — The Hispanic Alliance of Southeastern Connecticut's La Latina Network has recognized community advocates as La Latina of the Year and Ally of the Year.

They were honored Friday at the organization's annual La Latina Celebration.

Lizbeth Polo Smith was selected as the Latina of the Year for her work in New London and surrounding areas, the organization said in a news release. Polo Smith, who is now a U.S. citizen, was an active and visible advocate for the Hispanic community as an undocumented immigrant for 14 years.

"Rather than allow her documentation status to relegate her to the fringes of society, Lizbeth chose to involve herself deeply with a long list of organizations and relief efforts to support those in need," the alliance said. "If you have ever bought a meal to support a local family in need, there is a good chance that Lizbeth Polo Smith was a part of making that distribution happen."

Tracee Reiser, chairman of the Hispanic Alliance of Southeastern Connecticut's scholarship program since it began in 2001, was selected as the La Latina Network's first Ally of the Year.

The organization credited Reiser with leading a committee that awarded more than 300 college scholarships to Hispanic students. She also served for more than 20 years as the Hispanic Alliance liaison at Connecticut College.

La Latina Network supports the empowerment of Latinas through various educational programs, mentoring and scholarships. La Latina Scholarship is given to promising Latina graduating high school students who pursue higher education at two-year and four-year colleges.

This year's scholarships were awarded to Saint Bernard School senior Ariana Guinassi and University of Connecticut Avery Point first-year student Fabiola Rios Hernandez.

The Hispanic Alliance was founded in 2000 to address education, leadership training, economic support, health and the arts.

e.regan@theday.com