Northwest Arkansas Community College Foundation, Inc.

This was Isaiah Torres. He was a 6 year old boy who lived in Bella Vista, AR. His life was tragically cut short on March 30, 2015 after a horrific child abuse episode. Isaiah’s cause of death was due to internal injuries and infection as a result of being sodomized with a stick and forced to do squats at a family camping trip as punishment for eating cake without permission. His parents failed to get Isaiah medical attention until it was too late. The Medical Examiner also observed injuries consistent with Chronically Battered Child Syndrome, including 60 whip marks on his back alone, 30 scars on his head, numerous puncture marks, and defensive wounds on his arms and hands.

Isaiah didn’t get to celebrate holidays or even his birthday. He didn’t eat regular meals. He was forced fed feces and urine at times. He slept naked in a dog crate or sometimes the trash can. He was regularly beaten with an electric cord. His little nose was broken, his body burned with bleach, and his teeth were forcibly removed with pliers. Through all this, he managed a sweet smile for what would be his last school picture. At one of the trials, his older sister testified that the happiest she ever saw her brother was when he was hospitalized for a chemical burn because he had a bed and food.

Some children face monsters that are all too real.

The Isaiah Torres Memorial Scholarship Fund made possible by the NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) Foundation is for undergraduate NWACC students pursuing higher education in Child Advocacy fields in honor of Isaiah’s heroic life. All donations go to the NWACC Foundation, and 100% of the donations go to the scholarship! The NWACC Foundation is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization! This profession calls on a person with a heart for service and the motivation for helping, not money. These scholarships will help some students be able to forego student loans, lessen financial burdens, and help them focus on school and their careers as they enter roles at DHS. We as a community must invest in the education of passionate students willing to dedicate their career, life, and time to child protection and advocacy. The best future advocate may not have the financial means to further their education, and we can change that!

Isaiah loved the color orange, Toy Story, and Spider-Man. He wanted to be a police officer when he grew up. His favorite foods were chicken and macaroni and cheese. He loved wearing hats, singing, dancing, and knock knock jokes. I wish I knew more.

Isaiah's voice may have been silenced, but it echoes through the hearts of those who fight for justice. His face symbolizes not just his own suffering, but that of many other children enduring similar fates. Let us strive to honor Isaiah's memory by funding The Isaiah Torres Memorial Scholarship Fund which will educate and empower future frontline workers who may help a silenced child like Isaiah. His voice now relies on us. We hear you now, Isaiah, and we will never cease to be your voice.