From the beginning, this case was based upon the pursuit of justice. This victory is a victory not just for me, but also for our community. Let this be a message to the Scholarship Board and other boards that they have to follow the law, not create their own laws. Their decision to create their own rules and regulations led to this catastrophe that will require them to backtrack three years and recalculate the awards based upon the letter of the law. I hope that these board members and future members will hold themselves to a higher standard, especially when dealing with matters of education.
I owe my gratitude to my lawyer, Robert T. Torres, who took on this case purely because he saw the injustice committed by the board that I saw. Robert and my parents took the burden off my shoulders and onto theirs while I’m continuing my education.
To the youth, never give up. To the community, don’t be scared of the government. Most importantly, always fight for what is right, even if that fight takes years to end.
ROSELLE D. CALVO
New York, New York
