4 Danbury Students Named Santos Memorial Scholarship Recipients

**News Release Submitted by Landon Jack Verissimo Santos Memorial Scholarship**

June 13, 2023

The Board of Directors of the Landon Jack Verissimo Santos Memorial Scholarship is proud to announce this year’s scholarship recipients from Danbury High School and Henry Abbott Technical High School. This year’s deserving recipients are Taniya White and Natalie Benalcazar from Danbury High School and Yasmin Marques and Ava-Marie Moya from Henry Abbott Technical High School. “The scholarship committee received several applications, and which always makes the selection process difficult, but we are proud of this year’s recipients,” said Farley Santos, President of the Landon Jack Verissimo Santos Memorial Scholarship. “These young ladies have each faced adversity and persevered. Each recipient is dedicated to giving back to their community and will help us build a lasting legacy for Landon. We look forward to their success in life.”

“I’m beyond grateful for the trust and confidence the board has placed in my future by choosing me as a recipient for the scholarship,” said recipient Yasmin Marques. “This assistance not only recognizes my achievements, but it also serves as a powerful motivator to continue working hard and to strive for success. With this support, I am inspired to continue my educational goals and make a positive impact on my community.”

Each applicant must demonstrate a financial need, academic excellence, exemplify strong leadership qualities, and who demonstrate a desire to help others through community service. “We are so proud of the recipients. Each are remarkable young ladies who have overcome difficulties to achieve success and will undoubtedly continue to contribute greatly to others,” said Kathleen Santos.

The Landon Jack Verissimo Santos Memorial Scholarship, Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 2019 in honor of Landon Jack who tragically passed away in 2018 only 6 days after birth. His parents, Kathleen and Farley Santos established the scholarship to honor his memory and to help Danbury students in need. Their hope is that these achieving students would help build a legacy of love for Landon. A legacy that Landon is not able to build himself. Over the last 5 years, the scholarship has disbursed over $12,000 in scholarships and have received support from dozens of local businesses such as Jowdy-Kane Funeral Homes (Daniel P. Jowdy), Preferred Maintenance, Inc. (Nela & John Pereira), Salvatore Plumbing LLC (Patty & Paul Salvatore), NYCONN Corp.(Rizzo & Rebeiro Family), Harry T. Tucker & Sons, Inc.(Rich & Andrea Tucker), and Stanley’s Auto Body (Wilkowski Family), along with dozens of community member contributors. Contributions can be mailed to 27 Westview Dr. Danbury, CT 06810.