[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 94 (Wednesday, June 3, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E520]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING SOFIA V. MELENDEZ-SANTIAGO AS A 2026 HARRY S. TRUMAN SCHOLAR

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. PABLO JOSE HERNANDEZ

                             of puerto rico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 3, 2026

  Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and 
congratulate Sofia V. Melendez-Santiago, an extraordinary young leader 
from Puerto Rico and a psychology student at the University of Puerto 
Rico--Rio Piedras Campus, upon her selection as a 2026 Harry S. Truman 
Scholar.
  Sofia is pursuing a degree in Psychology with a greater academic goal 
of earning a PhD in Public Health, a path that reflects both her 
ambition and her deep commitment to the well-being of her community and 
island. She was selected from among 781 candidates nominated across 305 
colleges and universities nationwide, chosen by independent regional 
review panels based on academic excellence, leadership accomplishments, 
and the likelihood of becoming a public service leader.
  This achievement carries special significance for Puerto Rico. Sofia 
is the 58th Puerto Rican to be named a Truman Scholar and the 28th from 
the University of Puerto Rico--Rio Piedras, a testament to the enduring 
strength of Puerto Rico's academic institutions and the exceptional 
quality of the graduates it produces.
  Established by Congress in 1975 as the living memorial to President 
Harry S. Truman, the Truman Scholarship is the premier graduate 
scholarship for aspiring public service leaders in the United States. 
Each Truman Scholar receives financial support for graduate studies, 
leadership training, career counseling, and special internship and 
fellowship opportunities within the federal government. Puerto Rico is 
fortunate to have young leaders like Sofia Melendez-Santiago, a student 
of intellect, purpose, determination, and heart, who will carry the 
values of our island as she works to build a healthier and more just 
future for all Puerto Ricans.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Sofia V. Melendez-
Santiago on this remarkable achievement.

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