Gregory: Central Islip High School Senior, Emmanuel Euceda, Awarded David E. Ortiz Scholarship

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y. – Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory recently issued a proclamation honoring Emmanuel Euceda of Central Islip for his selection as this year’s winner of the David E. Ortiz Scholarship.

Created to honor the life of David E. Ortiz, who died in 2002, the scholarship is awarded each year to a Central Islip High School senior who has demonstrated perseverance in the face of a learning disability.

Euceda, who will attend Suffolk County Community College this fall, was awarded $2,000 and a laptop computer. He plans to become a police officer, which he attributed to having “always been aware of my surroundings.”

“Having graduated from Central Islip High School myself, I feel especially honored to recognize Emmanuel,” said Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory. “We need more police officers on our streets, and I’m glad that Emmanuel is on the path to becoming one of them.”

From left, Suffolk County Community College Foundation Executive Director Dr. Sylvia Diaz; Suffolk County Community College President Dr. Shaun McKay; Emmanuel Euceda; his mother Yansi Euceda; Renee Ortiz, sister of David E. Ortiz; and Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory at a barbeque at which the David E. Ortiz Scholarship was presented to Euceda.

“I am deeply grateful to the Ortiz family for this award, which will help enable me to attend college and go on to pursue a career as a police officer,” said Euceda. “I want other kids with learning disabilities to know that, with hard work, they can still succeed and achieve their dreams. I look forward to attending college and then to keeping the people of Central Islip safe.”

“Emmanuel’s perseverance, kindness and commitment to making the world a better place exemplify the spirit of my brother,” said Renee Ortiz of Central Islip. “I commend Emmanuel for overcoming his learning challenges and for continuing his education, and I thank him for pursuing a career in law enforcement. He will help keep us safe.”

In addition to his interest in law enforcement, Euceda has a passion for poetry. In an original poem he included with his application for the scholarship, Euceda wrote, “every night you wonder but every morning is a chance to start over.”

For more information on the David E. Ortiz Scholarship Fund or to make a donation, contact Renee Ortiz at 631-398-7968 or email DOScholarship@aol.com.