Lynbrook resident awarded Frank J. Becker scholarship

The Frank J. Becker Educational Foundation has been giving out scholarships to high school seniors since 1958, and it was no different this year as Kevin Li, Valley Stream South High School’s valedictorian, was presented with $4,000 at Angelina’s restaurant in Lynbrook on June 26 — the same night as his graduation.

Li, whose brother David received the same award in 2012, will join his brother at Cornell University in the fall. Kevin said he intends to study biology there, and will use the money to offset Ivy League tuition costs.

“It is a real honor to receive the Frank J. Becker Education Scholarship,” Kevin said. “I am really grateful towards the Becker Family and the supporters of this foundation for providing me an opportunity to further my education — as well as all they have done for past recipients and future ones.”

Hilary Becker, Lynbrook Village trustee and president of the foundation, said both Kevin and David were model candidates for the award.

“Kevin and David are fine examples of the principles that the late Congressman Frank Becker based his life on, and we are excited about the potential for their future endeavors,” he said.

Frank John Becker was a Republican who served as the representative of the 4th Congressional District for the United States House of Representatives. He was born in Brooklyn in 1899, and raised in Lynbrook. He left school in the eighth grade to help support his family. The World War I veteran also served in the New York State Assembly before becoming a representative, despite his limited education. He died in 1981.

Every year the foundation awards a scholarship to a high school senior who lives in the 4th Congressional District. The application process is based on financial need, academic achievement, an essay from the candidate, letters of recommendation and other accomplishments.