Foundation Also Celebrates 2026 Robert and Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Defender Award

OGUNQUIT, ME / ACCESS Newswire / June 10, 2026 / The TramutoPorter Foundation today announced the recipients of its 2026 Compassionate Leadership Scholarships, an award presented annually to students whose lives reflect the Foundation's mission of compassion, leadership, and service. This year's honorees are Milei Adele Kido of Bangor High School and Abe Medrano of Wells High School.

Founded in the aftermath of September 11th, the TramutoPorter Foundation has spent 25 years advancing opportunities for young people and strengthening communities through its commitment to compassion in action.

Bangor High School Recipient: Milei Adele Kido

Milei Kido has distinguished herself through exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and service. As noted in the Foundation's presentation, she is "a leader - President of Rho Kappa, a member of multiple honor societies, a dedicated volunteer with the Maine Multicultural Center, a gifted pianist, and a committed athlete."

Her compassion has been equally defining. After the loss of a family member, she "stepped forward with extraordinary maturity, caring for her family while maintaining her academic excellence and service to others." She plans to study psychology at McGill University with a focus on expanding mental-health resources in underserved communities.

Wells High School Recipient: Abe Medrano

Abe Medrano has spent four years strengthening the Wells community through leadership, athletics, and service. As described in the Foundation's remarks, he "has been a student leader, an athlete, a volunteer, and a voice for his peers... showing that leadership is not a title - it is a responsibility."

Teachers praise him as "independent, trustworthy... the kind of student who can be counted on to complete even the most challenging tasks with maturity and excellence." He has excelled in varsity Cross Country, Winter Track, and Spring Track, demonstrating the determination and character that define the Foundation's values.

Both students will receive a $20,000 TramutoPorter Foundation Compassionate Leadership Scholarship.

TramutoPorter Foundation Celebrates 2026 Robert and Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Defender Award

In addition to the scholarship announcements, the Foundation proudly recognizes the 2026 Robert and Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Defender Award, supported through the TramutoPorter Foundation RFK Human Rights Defender Endowment.

Reflecting on the Foundation's long-standing partnership with Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, Co-Founder Donato J. Tramuto shared remarks from his recent address:

"Robert Kennedy reminded us that the purpose of life is to contribute in some way to making things better. That belief is at the heart of why we are here. In The Double Bottom Line, I introduced the word col-lab-o-vation - the fusion of collaboration and innovation in service of compassion. And it is that same spirit that has defined our partnership with Robert and Ethel Kennedy Human Rights since 2012."

This year's award honors the National Union of Peoples' Lawyers, whose courage and commitment to defending the vulnerable exemplify the highest ideals of human rights advocacy.

"Their fearless defense of the vulnerable and their willingness to challenge abuses of power represent the very best of what human rights work demands," Tramuto said. "The TramutoPorter Foundation is proud to sponsor this year's Human Rights Defender Award, and even more proud to honor individuals whose bravery reminds us that human rights are lived every single day."

About the TramutoPorter Foundation

Founded in 2001 by Donato Tramuto and Jeffrey Porter, the TramutoPorter Foundation is dedicated to creating a more compassionate world by expanding access to education, supporting emerging leaders, and uplifting individuals and communities often overlooked or left behind. To date, nearly 100 students across the United States have entered into the program and successfully completed their scholarships, reflecting the Foundation's enduring commitment to opportunity and impact. Through scholarships, partnerships, and global initiatives, the Foundation has empowered thousands of young people and advanced meaningful social change for 25 years.

Contact:

Info@tramutofoundation.com

SOURCE: Donato Tramuto