On Thursday, October 22, 2009, the Racine Education Association received the Joe Rudy Labor Activist Award from Voces de la Frontera.   Voces is an immigrant rights organization with offices in Milwaukee and Racine.  Voces presented the award to Pete Knotek, REA President, at a gala entitled "Reaching for the American Dream.” 

REA was recognized for its community activities such as partnerships with Voces de la Frontera’s student chapters, Students United For Immigrant Rights (SUFIR) and Students United In the Struggle (SUITs).  In particular, REA was honored for its sponsorship of youth-led “Get Out the Vote” work and support for establishing Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a recognized school holiday.  REA was also lauded for its support for legislation that provides for in-state tuition for immigrant students in Wisconsin. 

Upon receiving the award, Knotek commented that “the REA is honored to be recognized for its support for student learning and actions that contribute to positively changing our community.”