Ten years ago there was no S.M.B.S. Inc.
Stephanie once dreamed to be a famous singer and even an American Idol winner. She wanted to live up to the nickname her grandma gave her "ojitos de estrella", little star eyes. Stephanie also dreamed of a world where color where culture and race did not matter. She was a charismatic, friendly and an out going young lady, who proudly stood her ground despite being a minority. She fought the generalization of her own cultural background in her school cafeteria on top of a table calling out loud that she was "Puerto Rican, not Mexican" as any child appearing to be of Latin American were categorized as "Mexican".
She wanted a world to be kinder to those who struggled with not only academics but emotional set backs that impeded on their educational endeavors.
This Tuesday will mark ten years Stephanie left this earth to young, at the tender age of sixteen. Her loss was tragic and unexpected. It made everyone who knew her stop and realize that life is to short. She had many dreams which she was not fulfilled. Dreams she never got to achieve. We are now privileged to help other youngsters like herself to achieve their own dreams. Marking this anniversary the Stephanie Marie Burgos Scholarship, Inc. is proudly up to their eighth scholarship recipient and have alumni, who are carrying on the torch by serving as directors on the board bringing the organization into the future.
Stephanie we miss you but we know you will always be here in spirit, in our work. You are an inspiration to our scholars, our board of directors and your family, who work hard to keep your shining star bright.
