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Sonia Manzano, the actress best known for her roles as Maria on "Sesame Street" accepted a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award Monday.

"My children and just about every child in America has grown up learning their ABC’s from the iconic character of 'Maria' on Sesame Street played by Sonia Manzano," said Bob Mauro, President of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in a statement.

"Sonia not only brought the life events of marriage, having a baby, and being a mother to viewers young and old, she also brought a seldom-seen diversity, a Latin role-model, unlike anything on television at the time."

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RELATED: A is for Adiós: María Retires From 'Sesame Street' After 44 Years

"Sesame Street" won an award as well for the Outstanding Pre-School Children's Series.

Manzano announced her retirement from "Sesame Street" in July last year.

Mario Lopez's show "Extra" won an award forOutstanding Entertainment News Program.

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