David Li presented with Frank J. Becker Education Foundation Scholarship

The Frank J. Becker Educational Foundation held its annual reception and scholarship presentation at Angelina’s Restaurant in Lynbrook, awarding Lynbrook resident and Valley Stream South High School salutatorian student David Li with a $4,000 scholarship to attend Cornell University.

“You are our future, said Ken Jones. “There were 31 applicants [for this scholarship] … but you stood out. You are multi-talented in academics and you have built-in charm and personality, too.”

“I want to thank Ken, my parents for supporting me,” said David, “and for all of you [sponsors] for supporting the scholarship.” David is the first generation in the family to attend college, said his mother, Lisa, who came to America from China.

This will be the 54th year of having awarded over $200,000 in scholarships to worthy high school graduates in memory of the late Frank J. Becker, said Lynbrook Trustee Hilary Becker. (Frank John Becker was a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives from New York. Becker was born in Brooklyn in 1899 but raised his family in Lynbrook. He died in 1981.)

Lynbrook Mayor William Hendrick of Lynbrook spoke of his memories of Frank J. Becker.

“When I was a student at Hofstra, Frank Becker sauntered in and spoke to a group of liberals,” he joked to David. “By the time it was over, he had won over everyone in the class. Because of him, you’ve got yourself a nice start to your education.”

Leg. Francis X. Becker, grandson of Frank J. Becker, thanked his brother, Hilary, for helping to keep the scholarship program going. “By keeping this scholarship alive,” he said, “we keep [our grandfather’s] memory alive.” And to David: “You’re one of the future leaders of America.”