(San Juan, Puerto Rico, November 30, 2022) The non-profit and community-based organization Boys & Girls Clubs of Puerto Rico (BGCPR) with the support of Fundación Comunitaria celebrated the selection of Edwin Johnson Cardona, Boys & Girls Club of Llorens Torres ex-participant, as recipient of the “José I. Irizarry Community Service Medal”. This recognition to the community service of BGCPR ex-participants bears the name of José Irizarry, a philanthropist who served for more tan 20 years as member of the organization’s Board of Directors.
Edwin came to Boys & Girls Club of Luis Llorens Torres in 2014 due to the need to reinforce English as second language. At the Club, he was part of youth leadership teams, began to develop critical thinking, and to contribute to the community making visible the public complex positive aspects through the community newspaper La Voz de Llorens.
“I am the first generation in my family to go to college. I entered the Club to improve my English and raise my GPA, because I wasn’t so diligent, and I came out with so much more. In Boys & Girls Clubs of Puerto Rico I got the support I needed to shape my character, get focused to high school and then enter the university”, explained the young professional.
The Club’s teachings, Edwin’s focus and discipline paid off. He completed his bachelor’s degree in Social Work at the Universidad de Sagrado Corazón and immediately began a master’s degree at the University of Puerto Rico at Río Piedras. “My focus of study is community social work. As soon as I finish, do the thesis and finish my supervised practice, I want to work supporting students, accompanying them and motivating them to achieve their academic, personal and professional goals. Working with children and youth would be a way to transform the country, work for justice and equity, and build a homeland”, he said with conviction.
For BGCPR President this medal is very special for us, beyond the fact it is the first time we make the recognition and the medal was manufactured in our Fab Lab or digital laboratory at our Isabela Club. In our 55 years of service, we have contributed to the development of thousands of leaders, professionals, and citizens. Most of these, like Edwin, have kept transforming their communities, reciprocating what our service centers and work team did with them. In addition, we are honored that it bears the name of José I. Irrizary, a tenacious ally of the most vulnerable populations in Puerto Rico and an unconditional leader who continues to build bridges to strengthening our mission”, expressed Olga Ramos Carrasquillo. Esq.
The executive added that “we are also pleased that Fundación Comunitaria, an ally in the social and economic transformation of our communities, collaborates in this initiative that inspires all of us to put our talents, skills, and abilities at the service of others, and our country. We appreciate your continued support for the education of our children and youth, and the promotion of equity and social justice for our people.”
José Irizarry, José Campos, Ángel “Pepe” Suárez from Gente 21 and Olga Ramos Carrasquillo, Esq., President of Boys & Girls Clubs of Puerto Rico were part of the jury.
If you want to know more about BGCPR, follow them in social as Boys & Girls Clubs de Puerto Rico (Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn) and BGCPR (Instagram and Twitter). Those interested can also visit bgcpr.org.