In his own words, Tony Perez doesn't like to shine his own apple.

But tonight, Santa Paula's Latino Town Hall will do it for him. The nonprofit group will bestow on Perez its 2007 Ray Garcia Humanitarian Award for his outstanding volunteer service to the community.

"The Ray Garcia Humanitarian Award is the highest the Latino Town Hall has to give," said Town Hall member Laura Espinosa. "We don't give it every year because there has to be significant achievement in the community."

The recently retired Perez, 62, has volunteered with T-ball and basketball leagues, and the American Diabetes Association's Bike-a-thon event. He's been a volunteer with the Citrus Festival and is a member of the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic service fraternity. He also is actively involved in his church, where he teaches catechism classes and is an usher during Sunday Mass.

"Being involved in the community and keeping busy keeps me young," Perez said. "I don't have time to think about aches and pains as I get into my sunset years because I have a reason to get up every morning."

Perez participates in the Ventura County Youth Education Motivation Program, where he speaks to middle school students in the area, encouraging them to persevere in high school and go on to college.

The importance of education is not lost on Perez, whose mother single-handedly raised 10 children. She had a fifth-grade education and pushed her kids to get high school diplomas.

"She was the catalyst behind us all, making sure we all graduated from high school. We all even have some college education," Perez said.

Perez has served on the Santa Paula Elementary School District board since 1998.

"My own three children are grown now, but with the school board, I feel I have 3,800 children to do the best by," he said.

Espinosa said Perez is one of the kindest people she's met in Santa Paula. "He's such a genuine human being. It's an honor for me and my husband to call him friend," she said.

The Latino Town Hall issued a statement saying Perez has been a consistent advocate for all children and exemplifies the values of community service, integrity and advocacy.

But Perez, who retired from Southern California Gas Co. three years ago after a 35-year career, said a simple thank you is enough for him.

"It's a humble sense of pride to be thought of for an award like this," he said.

Other recipients of Latino Town Hall awards tonight are:

n Ray Pinedo, Cultural Arts award. Pinedo is a founder of the De Colores art show and has been affiliated with the Santa Paula Cultural Center, Flor y Canto, La Raza Unida Party, LUCHA Camping Program, Save Our Youth and performs with an Aztec dance group.

n Sean Miller, Education award. Miller teaches fourth grade at McKevett School and considers it his duty to give back to the community through his practice and commitment.

n Andrea Tinajero, Youth award. Tinajero plays the trumpet in the 1st Memorial Honors Detail, a group that provides military honors at graveside and chapel funerals.

n Anita Pulido, Community Services award. Pulido is involved with the Santa Paula Murals Committee, the Family Resource Center, the Labor Day Parade Committee, the Boys and Girls Club and the Group Against Graffiti.

n Lourdes Graham Campbell and Associates, Business award. Lourdes Graham Campbell and her company provide translating services to the city of Santa Paula and have been credited by Espinosa for increasing Latino involvement in civic activities.