[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 183 (Tuesday, October 19, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1110-E1111]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF BELTA TORRE SGAMBELLURI PEREZ

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. MICHAEL F.Q. SAN NICOLAS

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 19, 2021

  Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and 
legacy of Belta Torre Sgambelluri Perez. Belta was a leader whose 
commitment to service and devotion to community has and continues to 
inspire generations throughout our island. We will fondly remember her 
as an innovative entrepreneur and tireless advocate that has helped 
shape the history and future of Guam.
  Widely known for her pioneering efforts in cultivating a new industry 
for the island, Belta is an icon of pageantry and performing arts. 
Following her reign as Guam's 1961 Liberation Queen, she earned her 
associate's degree in Education and Theater and bachelor's degree in 
Education and Communication from the University of Guam and San Jose 
State University respectively. She then utilized her extensive training 
and background in the arts to establish the first John Robert Powers 
School in Guam and the Philippines. Providing formal training and 
mentorship to thousands of students for over 50 years, Belta developed 
an institution that admirably encourages our youth to pursue their 
dreams, foster their talents,

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and use their skills to leave a positive impact on society.
  In addition to her passion for connecting the People of Guam with 
greater opportunities, her personal mission to give back to others 
poured out into numerous other parts of community life. Over the years, 
Belta served as an Administrator for the Guam Department of Education, 
Instructor at the Academy of Our Lady of Guam, Marketing and 
Advertising Director at Foremost McKesson Guam, Writer at the Pacific 
Daily News, Columnist and Editor at the Guam Tribune, Producer and Host 
of Woman's World at KUAM TV/Radio, Afternoon Show Host at KGTF, and 
Director for the Miss Hemisphere USA Pacific/Asia Area. As a devout 
Catholic Daughter, she also dedicated invaluable time as both an active 
supporter of Catholic Social Services and the Alee Women and Children's 
Shelter and mentor for the High School Continuation Program.
  With countless achievements that extend from being listed among the 
1971 and 1976 Outstanding Young Women of America, inducted into the 
Modeling Association of America International Hall of Fame, and 
featured in Pageantry Magazine, to being granted a Guam Visitors Bureau 
Lifetime Achievement Award and recognized as the 1985 Guam Business 
Woman of the Year, 2018 and 2019 National iPop School Director of the 
Year, and Guam Business Magazine's 2019 Lifetime Business Woman, it is 
clear that Belta uniquely invested in and touched the lives of many 
through her work.
  Belta Torre Sgambelluri Perez was a woman of faith and an example of 
generosity who continues to inspire generations of mentors and leaders. 
I extend my deepest condolences to her family and friends. and I join 
the People of Guam in remembering and celebrating her life and legacy 
of selfless service, empowerment, and holistic community growth. Belta 
will be deeply missed, and her love and memories will forever remain in 
the hearts of the People of Guam.

                          ____________________