Paoli Mejías received recognition for his outstanding example as a role-model by CEDICE (Centro de enlace, desarrollo e investigacion de las comunidades especiales), a grass-roots community organization dedicated to providing a summer camp called Talento Del Barrio for low-income youth in San Juan.

As part of the tribute, Paoli offered a percussion clinic to the camp participants and also gave a motivational talk to the youth and their families. Paoli shared his personal story of triumph, emphasizing the importance of having a goal for oneself, and with dedication, discipline and focus one can overcome any obstacle and achieve success.

Accompanied by Carmen Villanueva, community leader and director of CEDICE, and afamed comedian, musician and actor Silverio Perez who was also recognized, they brought the house down with their improvised plena & bomba and Paoli’s solo played with impromptu instruments of a cardboard box & scissors at the performance of Talento Del Barrio.