The satisfaction and joy that Wanda Betancourt felt was evident. She couldn't stop smiling. And no wonder. Through the Ismael Betancourt y Lebrón Scholarship Fund, which established in the Puerto Rico Community Foundation along with her husband Hector Gonzalez, was succeeding in keeping her father's legacy of service to the country alive. Yesterday, the committee in charge of awarding the scholarships gave the supplementary financial aid to Abiezer A. Santiago Vásquez and Rafael E. Solá Sánchez.
The origin of this economic support dates back to 2015, when Betancourt and González established the fund to perpetuate the memory of Betancourt y Lebrón, who dedicated much of his life to public service as San Juan and Bayamón prosecutor and Police Superintendent (1989-1992). “He distinguished himself for his tireless fight against abuses and outrages in all sectors of Puerto Rican society,” the documents related to the fund state.
For Betancourt, a significant aspect of the scholarship award process was discovering talented young people who are committed to the common good of their communities despite the personal difficulties they face or have faced.
Santiago Vásquez and Solá Sánchez, first year law students at the University of Puerto Rico (UPR), Río Piedras Campus and allies of community empowerment, received $850 and $1,850, respectively. Some of the criteria evaluated for selection were: academic achievement, leadership and interest in community development.
“I have seen the potential in the people of the communities and nonprofit organizations, and I am committed to give my best and stay in Puerto Rico to reinvest and continue developing in the country we all love,” said Solá Sánchez, a father of two who lost his home and several jobs due to Hurricane María. “Sometimes you don't realize how much of a support network you have,” he added to show his gratitude.
For his part, Santiago Vásquez expressed his commitment to community empowerment and environmental causes.
“If you create an environment where people can develop, great things can happen,” said the man who is one of the first in his immediate family to have studies in higher education. “I am committed to do everything possible to be a persevering and vertical citizen, in order to contribute to public service as Mr. Betancourt did,” he added.
To learn more about the work of the FCPR visit What we do. You can also donate to the funds at I want to donate.